Tom Grant - Blue Sapphire (2019)

Fifteen original songs by one of the pioneers of smooth jazz in collaboration with a world class songwriter and bassist! ''Blue Sapphire'' is the musical collaboration between Pianist Tom Grant and Bassist Phil Baker. The album showcases the stunning excellence of these two celebrated artists. ''Blue Sapphire'' is a collection of songs written by Grant and Baker. The 15 original tracks trace an alluring path from smooth jazz to bossa nova, to R&B funk, with ambient passages along the way. Drawing upon their deep history in the industry, Grant and Baker assembled an all-star lineup of the best musicians in the Northwest including Nu-Shooz' lead singer Valerie Day, R&B/pop singer Jarrod Lawson, and Jazz Grammy finalist Randy Porter to record on the album. ''Tom's sound has an elegance and clarity that is the hallmark of his playing.'' Jeff Lorber, Grammy winning Jazz Artist Tom Grant is an award-winning pianist and one of the original smooth jazz pioneers. His songwriting has earned him national acclaim, including chart-topping albums in the 80s and 90s. His latest title, ''Sipping Beauty,'' was named record of the year in 2017 in the New Age Chill-Groove category. His decades-long career includes years of touring with jazz giants like Tony Williams, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, and Charles Lloyd. If you liked Tom's earlier hits such as ''In My Wildest Dreams,'' ''Mango Tango,'' and ''The View From Here,'' you'll love ''Blue Sapphire''. Internationally renowned bassist Phil Baker is one of the most respected musicians on the west coast, adept at upright and electric basses, as well as guitar and keyboards. As bass player for Pink Martini for the last 16 years, he's appeared with some of the most acclaimed symphony orchestras in North America. Baker toured for 10 years with Diana Ross and has played with Gino Vanelli, jazz legends Eddie Harris, Ernie Watts,Diane Schuur, Mose Allison, among a host of other revered musicians