Grady Nichols
Grady Nichols truly personifies today’s hip Smooth Jazz scene. He has shared the stage with the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Jeff Lorber, and David Benoit and has the distinction of playing the Greenwood Jazz Festival more than any other artist. Growing up in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Grady showed a love for music very early. He picked up his first saxophone in sixth grade and found the passion that would define his path. By high school, Grady was studying under legendary saxophonist Joe Davis, who had performed with such greats as Sarah Vaughn and Mel Torme. It was at this time that Grady began performing professionally. Following college at John Brown University, he moved to Tulsa and quickly established himself as the premier jazz artist in a region rich with jazz heritage. In 1996, Grady released his first CD, "Between You and Me", the majority of which was recorded live, a rarity for a first CD. If you listen closely, you can just hear the crowd applause between tracks. Another rarity for a new artist, he received radio airplay right away. Grady followed this success with "Mysterious Intentions" in 1997, allowing him to better showcase his songwriting talents. The title track, an exhilarating tune with a rare voice sample from the Bogart classic "The Maltese Falcon", became an instant fan favorite. With "Mysterious Intentions" Grady's radio exposure grew coast-to-coast. Grady has since performed with an interesting and diverse roster of fellow artists: Jeffrey Osborne, Ellis Marsalis, David Benoit, Paul Taylor, Huey Lewis and the News, the O’Jays, and Stanley Turrentine. A Star Trek fan, he has also appeared with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, performing his critically acclaimed single, "Star Trek - First Contact". Currently, Grady is collaborating with renowned producer Jeff Lorber to craft his third CD, tentatively titled "Sophistication". The sound of this new project reflects a more confident and defining style that is representative of Grady’s continued growth as a musician. " I am constantly striving to mature as an artist, not only in smooth jazz but in all aspects of music." This attitude was evident in his recent performance of Frank Sinatra’s "The Nearness of You" accompanied by a full orchestra as part of a fundraising celebration for the United Way. " You can never stop learning. Music is a constant opportunity to expand yourself." To look solely at Grady’s music, however, is to miss so much. As Tulsa People reporter Pat Kroblin stated, "Grady Nichols is as approachable as his music. It was his saxophone that first caught my attention, but it’s the person behind the reed that truly deserves the applause". Grady simply sees this as a reflection of his deep Christian beliefs. Each CD and every Grady Nichols show concludes with a new adaptation of the classic, "Amazing Grace". For Grady, it summarizes what life is all about. This attitude is exemplified in his hosting of the Annual Grady Nichols Star Night event, a charity fundraiser in his hometown of Tulsa. This past year, the event raised over $10,000. The year 2000 is set to be an exciting one for Grady. In January, he performed at the First Annual Smooth Jazz Awards with such jazz greats as Herb Alpert, Peter White, Bob James, Dave Koz and many others. The national publication JAZZIZ magazine will feature a track from Grady’s newest CD in an early 2000 issue, corresponding with the CD’s release. A tour schedule will be announced shortly thereafter. In addition, he is slated to play Norwegian Cruise Line’s annual Smooth Jazz Cruise in the fall. At the heart of it all, however, is the opportunity for Grady to share the music that inspires his passion.
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