What would Miles Davis sound like if he hadn't went commercial? Richard Grant has always been considered one of the top ten trumpet players of his generation and without a doubt the least known.Richard's basicaly grew up in an artists community called Leimert Park,which is in Los Angeles.Within Leimert Park is a venue called the World Stage,which is in my openion the most important venue for jazz in the world. Richard and the World Stage represent just the oposite of trumpeter Wynton Marcellos and the Lincoln Center perhaps the most widely known jazz venue ,which is based in New York City.The standard cover charge at the World Stage is around ten dollars.The Lincoln Center is upward of one hundred dollars.The World Stage sits in the hart of the African American community and is owned and operated by the legendary drummer Billy Higgins. An orgional member of the criticaly acclaimed Los Angeles based jazz band Black Note,Richard went his own way just after the release of the groups debut recording "43rd.& Degnan". "43rd.& Degnan" had the destinction of being produced and financed by Billy Higgins ,the band actualy formed during the Thursday night jam sessions that still take place at the World Stage.If there is a reason why few people outside of jazz muscians have heard about Richard Grant it is because he fealt more comfortable playing at the World Stage and dedicated himself to using his talents to up lift his own community,following in the footsteps of drummer Higgins and pianist Horace Tapscott.Richard Grant is a neighborhood jazz muscian,our jazz muscian,just like Billy and Horace .The World Stage was made for muscians like Richard Grant who at the early age of fifteen had his own concept of success. While some say that Richard quit the band it can also be argued the the band left Richard."I fealt that the situation that I was in, recording for Billy Higgins and the World Stage lable was the best of all worlds for me" explains Richard.While the band went searching for a major label deal Richard stayed close to the World Stage.Black Note would eventualy sign a deal with Columbia records and Richard would continue to play around town and learn from all of the great jazz muscians that came to the World Stage looking to play with the legendary drummer Billy Higgins.The list included such notable jazz muscians as Barry Harris,Pharo Saunders,Chick Correa,Herbie Hancock, Bobby Watson,Jakie Mclean,... "Grant Of Immunity" is a purely independent recording by a truely independent artists.Richard Grant's sound is all his own and free of any cliches that muscians seem to pick up when they run out of things to say on their instruments.In the words of Larue Brown,the widow of the late trumpeter Clifford Brown,"Richard reminds me of my husband more so than anyone else I've heard".When you listen to Richard play with the mute you will be reminded of early Miles Davis.Recorded live at the World Stage as a tribute to the late Billy Higgins,this recording also features Pianist Danny Grissette who has since moved to New York City and has a couple of recordings under his own name.Bassist Bob Hurst from the Branford Marcellos band anchors the rythm section.If you should happen to visit Los Angeles stop by the World Stage on any given night, chances are you find Richard Grant playing trumpet with the drummers,poets,dancers,singers,and at every jam session.Richard brings his trumpet to the anti-war demonstrations, to the local hospitols,schools,farmers markets....His music and Richard have a purpose and duty that he does not neglect or take lightly."Jazz In It's essence Is Revolutionary". Richard Grant brings independence and rebellion back to Jazz."Here's To The Revolution".Truely an artists deserving wider recognition and your support. Dennis Sullivan/independent producer. Other Cds We recomend on this website. The Movement By Robert Stewart 43rd. & Degnan By Black Note Hip Prophecy by Bobby West Congradulations on getting the Jazz Pick Of the Week in the L.A. Weekly.9/27/07 Bricks Picks!