Lionel Grigson facts for kids

Lionel Grigson (born 12 February 1942 – died 14 June 1994) was an English jazz musician. He was a talented pianist, cornettist, and trumpeter. Lionel was also a composer, writer, and teacher.

In the 1980s, he started an important jazz course. This course was at the famous Guildhall School of Music in London. A writer named Simon Purcell said that Lionel helped jazz education grow in Britain. He showed how jazz, classical, and all music share basic ideas. Lionel helped train many jazz teachers. He also wrote books like Practical Jazz and Jazz from Scratch. He studied the music of jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Louis Armstrong.

Lionel Grigson was the only son of a poet named Geoffrey Grigson. He passed away in London when he was 52 years old. He had one daughter, Hannah Grigson.

Early Life and Education

Lionel Jermyn Grigson was born in Cheltenham, England. His birthday was on 12 February 1942. His father was Geoffrey Grigson, a well-known poet. His mother was Berta Emma Kunert.

Lionel was named after his father's brother. This uncle had died in World War I. Lionel went to Dartington Hall School. Later, he studied at King's College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he wrote about jazz for the university magazine Granta.

Music Career Highlights

Lionel Grigson started playing jazz when he was 12. This was during his time at Dartington school. In the early 1960s, he led the Cambridge University Jazz Band. This band won awards. Famous musicians like Art Themen were in the band. They said Lionel had a unique influence.

A fellow musician, Spike Wells, noted that Lionel was central to the jazz scene. In 1962, the Cambridge band stood out in a jazz contest. They were praised for their skill and control. Lionel played the trumpet sensitively.

Playing with Jazz Orchestras

Grigson was part of the New Jazz Orchestra. This was a fresh and exciting big band. It was active from 1963 to 1970. The band played at famous places like the Marquee Club. Other talented musicians were in this group. These included Ian Carr and Barbara Thompson.

In the late 1960s, Lionel had a regular show. It was at The Troubadour coffee house in London. His quintet played there every Sunday afternoon. He played piano in this group. Many musicians played with him over the years. These included Spike Wells and Bobby Wellins.

Jazz Rock and Afro-Latin Jazz

Grigson was also in the jazz rock band If. He helped start this group. A song on their second album, If 2, was co-written by him.

In the early 1970s, Lionel led a group called Ujamaa. This band played "Afro-Latin-Jazz." They mixed jazz with African, calypso, Latin, and funk music. The band had many different musicians.

Later, in 1980, Lionel was the house pianist at Brighton Jazz Club. In 1981, he was a jazz musician in residence at King's College, Cambridge. From 1984 to 1987, he directed Ziggy's Jazz Club. This club helped new jazz talent. Lionel also played with international jazz stars. These included Freddie Hubbard and Johnny Griffin.

Teaching Jazz Music

Lionel Grigson was a professor for ten years. He taught at London's Guildhall School of Music. This was from 1983 to 1993. He taught harmony and improvisation. He also taught on the school's jazz diploma course.

Many famous musicians studied under him. These included Courtney Pine and Jason Rebello. Cleveland Watkiss, a singer, remembered meeting Lionel. Lionel told him, "We need people like you here!" He created a welcoming space for young musicians. The Guildhall became a meeting place for many talented students. Lionel also invited other musicians to teach. Jean Toussaint, a saxophonist, coached on his course.

Published Writings

Lionel Grigson wrote several important books. His book A Jazz Chord Book was first published in 1981. It has been reprinted many times. He also wrote Practical Jazz (1988) and Jazz from Scratch (1991).

He wrote studies about the music of jazz greats. These included Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and Thelonious Monk. His book, A Thelonious Monk: Study Album, is in the library of musician David Byrne.

Discography

• 1965: Western Reunion - New Jazz Orchestra (Decca LK4690). Lionel Grigson played piano. He also arranged one song, "If You Could See Me Now".
• 1973: Ujamaa, Grigson's group, released a single. The song "Add Up the Score" was on the A-side. It featured singer Jeanette Tavernier. The B-side was "Ten-Bar Grit".