Guymon Ensley & GEQ

Artist Information

Biography

After retiring from a successful career as a Law Enforcement Professional, Guymon Ensley started playing trumpet full time. His musical journey started with him performing, composing and recording with Rhythm and Blues artists and bands. However, armed with his experience and formal training, Guymon pursued his first love, JAZZ.

In 2001, he formed GEQ, the Guymon Ensley Quintet. This select group of musicians debuted to rave reviews in 2002 at the renowned Bakers Keyboard Lounge in Detroit Michigan. Guymon continued to enjoy success with his band after the release of their first CD titled "Here Put This On" in 2003. The band continued performing at many of the most prestigious venues throughout Michigan. Other performances include six separate tours throughout the Caribbean Islands and Hawaii.

GEQ’s repertoire included many of Guymon’s original songs. He wrote with an emphasis on the strength of the band’s musicianship which made the music sound complex but performed with ease. GEQ is a high energy band that’s compared respectfully to the likes of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the John Coltrane and Miles Davis ensembles. In 2006 & 2007, Guymon and his band were Detroit Music Award Nominees for 'OUTSTANDING MODERN JAZZ GROUP / ARTIST and OUTSTANDING JAZZ COMPOSER.

In 2006, Ensley released a solo project, a R&B extended play CD titled "Meet Guymon Ensley," with three original songs and an intriquing arrangement of Grandma's Hands. Three more R&B and contemporary singles followed, including a vocal by Ensley titled "Where Am I Going With You."

Currently, Guymon is writing and producing a third release that will be titled "This Comes With It." The album will be a collection of works across genre lines, including contemporary jazz, fusion, R&B, funk, swing and some raggae and latin flavors. GEQ is also currently performing the original works as well as cover tunes. It will also be the introduction of the recently formed horn section, the "Hard Hittin' Hoggy Horns." The CD is scheduled to be released later this year.

Instrumentation

Trumpet
Saxophone
Guitar
Keyboards
Drums/Percussion
Upright/Electric Bass
Lead Vocal

Discography

2012 - "Key Of Gee" - (single release; contemporary jazz
instrumental)
2011 - "The Christmas Song" - (single release;
contemporary jazz vocal featuring Sandra Bomar)
2010 - "Where Am I Going With You" - (single release;
contemporary jazz vocal)
2006 - "Meet Guymon Ensley" - Guymon Ensley &
GEQ - (extended play release featuring
original contemporary jazz works)
2003 - "Here Put This On" - GEQ - (full release
featuring arrangements of jazz standards
and originals pieces)

Official Website

http://www.GEQjazz.com

Links

• V I D E O "Key Of Gee" Guymon Ensley & GEQ
• V I D E O "Win Or Lose" Jeron Ronn
• V I D E O "She's On Way" Guymon Ensley & GEQ

Audio

• SHE'S ON HER WAY - Guymon Ensley - CD "Meet Guymon Ensley"
  Listen  
• WIN OR LOSE - featuring Jeron Ronn
  Listen  
• SPEAK NO EVIL - GEQ - CD "Here Put This On"
  Listen  
• LONVELINESS - featuring Jeron Ronn
  Listen  
• KEY OF GEE - Guymon Ensley & GEQ - single release
  Listen  
• MILESTONES - (GEQ) - "Here Put This On" GEQ Jazz Records
  Listen  
• ORNITHOLOGY - GEQ - CD "Here Put This On"
  Listen  
• GIVE YA WHATCHA WANT - featuring Jeron Ronn
  Listen  
• GRANDMA'S HANDS - Guymon Ensley - CD "Meet Guymon Ensley"
  Listen  

Lyrics

• 

Video

Guymon Ensley & GEQ play a Wayne Shorter classic composition - SPEAK NO EVIL

An Original Guymon Ensley composition - KEY OF GEE

Photo Gallery

Press

• Composer/Trumpeter Guymon Ensley Shares His New Single Entitled “Where Am I Going With You?” Through The Jazz Network Worldwide. [+ Show ]
  

  Straight out of the vault, comes a catalogue of classic material as well as the exciting new single ...Straight out of the vault, comes a catalogue of classic material as well as the exciting new single from his new project entitled “This Comes With It” slated to be released 2011.
  
  

• Getjazzed Trio and AARP Partner Up in 2010 For the CIRCLES OF ENGAGEMENT "For Grown Folks Only" Series [+ Show ]
  

  A series of four roundtable conversations in September, October and November was attended by nearly ...A series of four roundtable conversations in September, October and November was attended by nearly 400 baby boomers, where they had the opportunity for AARP Michigan to listen more deeply to the voices of African American members to discover ways to build an on-the-ground foundation of service, said Senior Manager, State Operations, Jacqueline Morrison. Held at the Doubletree Fort/Shelby Hotel, downtown Detroit, the 50+ crowd talked about the "For Grown Folks Only" topics: Life Purpose at 50+, Pathways to Health & Wellness, Secureing Your Financial Future, and Civic Engagement. The GEQ Jazz Trio (Guymon Ensley, noted bassist Marion Hayden, and pianist Phil Lesky) heated up the attendees with selections from the legends of classic jazz and be-bop and accompainied "edutainer" and humorist, Ms. Francine Dent.

• GEQ, a Hit At The 2010 JR Cigar "Gigantic Puff" [+ Show ]
  

  JR Cigar of Southfield out did themselves this time at the annual 2010 "GIGANTIC PUFF." This one wa...JR Cigar of Southfield out did themselves this time at the annual 2010 "GIGANTIC PUFF." This one was the biggest and last event of its kind to be held at an indoor facility due to the new legislation regarding smoking indoors. Close to eight hundred enjoyed the jazzy sounds of "GEQ." Joining GEQ on stage this time, was the sassy "Daisy Love." She lefted the crowd with her version of "Mercy, Mercy" as well as other hot standards. GEQ was surely at it again with selections from the standards book and Guymon's original pieces. The food was great and it was a "Class Act" again JR Cigar. I know that you'll find a way to do it even better next year.
  
  
  
  

• GEQ IN THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN @ 2009 FESTIVAL AT SEA [+ Show ]
  

  The Katts arrived in Puerto Rico early the morning of August 9, boarding the Carnival cruise ship "V...The Katts arrived in Puerto Rico early the morning of August 9, boarding the Carnival cruise ship "Victory." The ship left port at noon, steaming towards the Island of St. Maarten. The band's pianist, guitarist and drummer (Phil Lesky, Josh Linkner and Nate Winn) did not make the trip with the group this time. Back up keyboard player, Jonathan Dixon and drummer, Peter McAlister came aboard and both just "acted up!" That same night, GEQ took the stage in the "Ionian Room" on the ship's forth deck. The crowd was sparse that night, but for that and two upcoming performance nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, August 11, 12 & 14 ), the Ionian Room was swingin' "GEQ style." The band debuted an original composition by Jonathan Dixon that he wrote that day, which he named "Ionian Room." A hard hitting, driving number to which saxophonist, Jeff Ponders added an appealing, flowing horn melody, grabbed everyone by surprise. The band really stretched out, playing two sets from the book of GEQ arrangements and Ensley's originals, taking each song to its limit. Pete continuously drew the crowd in with his effortless drumming style. It seemed that eyes were affixed on him throughout and even well after he finished each solo. Jonathan took listeners to other levels as well with a continuous array of alternate chord progressions and magnificent solo work. Jeff was just acting himself with his wide voicing range and technical skills. Ibrahim, well what can be said. . . he was his normal dynamic self. Guymon held it all together by sticking to the basics, throwing in an occasional "scream" on his trumpet. He displayed what the flugle horn was made to do, and that's to emit the mellow midrange tones that make a ballad or any tune that calls for brass, but needs the soft, less of an edge than a trumpet. At times though, you would think that in the higher range that Guy sometimes plays the flugle in, you would think it was a trumpet. "Jeff, Ib, Jon and Pete all gave it their all this trip. We all jelled with very little time to rehearse with the subs. I knew that the musicianship of my guys was exceptional and each of them are true professionals. Each night in the room was hot and memorable. The night of August 14 was particularly special, because it was my little brother's birthday. We celebrated Kermit's 54th birthday together in the Pacific, south of the Southern Caribbean Island of Antiqua." - Guymon Ensley GEQ jammed two afternoons on the Lido Deck, poolside. Saxophonist, Jeff Ponders led the band in a "smooth jazz" set each time that excited even straight ahead listeners. The band's versatility was obvious to the sun bathing, bikini clad onlookers who responded overwhelmingly to GEQ switching gears to smooth jazz. It was one exiciting time for GEQ. Sharing the bill with international stars: Eric Benet' and Stephanie Mills surely did'nt hurt when it came to adding to the excitement.

• GEQ PERFORMS AT THE 2009 SAUGATUCK-DOUGLAS JAZZ FESTIVAL [+ Show ]
  

  The small, quaint, pitcheresque city of Saugatuck, Michigan hosted a cast of noted jazz artist for t...The small, quaint, pitcheresque city of Saugatuck, Michigan hosted a cast of noted jazz artist for two full days (July 31 and August 1, 2009). GEQ rolled in on the festival's second day and took the Coghlin Park Stage by storm at their first show at 1:15pm. The band opened with "A Bientot," a latin style number by the great Billy Taylor, followed by a burnin' original blues by Guymon Ensley, "Nobody Knows I'm Here." After that, Songstess, Pamela Smith then graced the stage with a rendition of "Never Will I Marry." But that performance was cut short by a real storm . . . a sudden pouring that canceled the outdoor music for the remainder of the day. However, it was only one of three scheduled performances for the guys that day. At the 5:00pm performance at the Saugatuck Brewery Company, the Phil Lesky Trio brought down the house with some rarely played pieces like "Reflections," by Thelonious Monk and "Voyage," by Kenny Barron. With Ibrahim Jones and Peter McAllister to fill out the group, Lesky's trio got the house's attention and didn't let go till the final number. GEQ's 8:00pm show, at the Saugatuck Christian Reform Church was the final one of the day. The acoustics in the sanctuary warranted no microphones and very little amplification. Although the crowd was relatively small at the venue, the attendees were obviously die hard jazz lovers that displayed their appreciations for GEQ. "The Idlewild Jazz Foundation has been behind the success of many jazz festivals and events. The Foundation's President, Gadd Holland, has been behind each of their successes and again, was the driving force behind the 2009 Saugatuck-Douglas Jazz Festival, making it happen. 'Everyone knows that the show couldn't have went on without you Gadd.'" - Guymon Ensley
  

• GEQ In Hawaii @ the 2004 Festival at Sea Jazz Cruise [+ Show ]
  

  GEQ boarded the Norwegian Cruise Lines' "Pride Of Aloha" with one thing in mind . . . to leave the p...GEQ boarded the Norwegian Cruise Lines' "Pride Of Aloha" with one thing in mind . . . to leave the passengers spinin' and well jazzed. And after hitting the islands of Honolulu, Kona, Hilo and Kahului, twice each in forteen days, the passengers aboard who knew what they were were listening to wanted more. The group laid out their best from their repertoire with the likes of Monk's "Well You Needn't and "Straight No Chaser," Wayne Shorters "Pinocchio" and Bird's Ornithology. Of course the sounds of some of Guy's originals, "Dar Twas (Nancy)," "Knowbody Knows I'm Here," "Oh Yeah" and "Here Put This On" were hits as well. GEQ also belted out several numbers on the current CD, HERE PUT THIS ON . . . the special arrangements of "A Night In Tunisia" and "Take The A Train" were especially a hit. GEQ shared the bill with Frankie Beverly and Maze ad The Whispers.

• Review of GEQ's Performance At The 2003 Idlewild Jazz Festival [+ Show ]
  

  "One of Detroit area's hottest bands for the last two years has been GEQ, the (Guymon Ensley Quintet..."One of Detroit area's hottest bands for the last two years has been GEQ, the (Guymon Ensley Quintet). Ensley brings a strong trumpet presence to the table and is well supported by Cornelious "Ju-Ju" Johnson on sax, Kerry Lacy on bass, Alex Brooks on drums, and Phil Lesky on piano.
  
  The band specializes in the jazz classics, be-bop, and post-bop. They have a dynamic style and lots of energy. If you're looking for soft and mellow, you'll have to look elsewhere. [We do pretty much straight ahead jazz,] says Ensley. [But no smooth stuff,] he added quickly. Ensley demonstrated his bands attention to detail and there ability to faithfully deal with the classics without sacrificing their own style when he closed his set with a rendition a Duke Ellington's Take the A Train that left the crowd buzzing."
  

• GEQ @ the 2002 Festival At Sea Jazz Cruise To The Caribbean [+ Show ]
  

  GEQ was selected as the newest jazz "group" over all others in the U.S. to perform aboard the Carniv...GEQ was selected as the newest jazz "group" over all others in the U.S. to perform aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship "Destiny" for seven days in the Eastern Caribbean. While cruising the ports San Juan, Guadeloupe, Barbados and Trinidad, GEQ performed original Bebop style tunes from the pen of Guymon Ensley as well as Classic Jazz and Bebop arrangements of tunes by such legendary artists as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. GEQ shared the bill with Jeffery Osborne, Yolanda Adams and the Isley Brothers and comedians AJ Jamal and Damon Williams.

• Review of GEQ's 2003 Ypsilanti Heritage Jazz Festival Performance and New CD, "Here Put This On" [+ Show ]
  

  “This is one of the best chances I've ever taken as WEMU's Music Director. The crown in Ypsilanti ra...“This is one of the best chances I've ever taken as WEMU's Music Director. The crown in Ypsilanti raved about them and listeners are now calling and asking about the CD. The GEQ had folks singing along with straight-ahead jazz melodies (no mean feat!) The GEQ had folks patting their feet, nodding their heads, clapping their hands and shaking many other parts of their anatomy. When Cornelious "Ju-Ju" Johnson took the microphone, he took listeners with him to new heights of screaming, passionate delight.
  
  The GEQ has that "secret something" of great jazz ensembles. They play music of the highest artistic quality, yet they relate to the audience 1-on-1, just like the greats such as Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, Duke Ellington and the Heath Brothers. The GEQ reminds you of the late great Detroit jazz musicians such as Pistol Allen, Beans Bowles and Teddy Harris-musicians who never compromised artistic integrity, yet entertained the listeners in the finest sense of the word.
  
  When I received their CD, I hoped that their studio work wouldn't come off as a pale imitation of their live performance. My fears were quickly assuaged. The disc is strong, swinging and every bit as vital as the GEQ live. I hope there are many discs to come and many more engagements coming from this first rate jazz ensemble. I'll be there at ther upcoming engagement at the Ford-Detroit International Jazz Festival. I would'nt miss this triumphant closer for the festival with this new gem of Detroit jazz in the Guymon Ensley Quintet."
  
  

• earBuzz Distribution Review of Guymon Ensley's "Meet Guymon Ensley" [+ Show ]
  

  "Guymon Ensley has captured a space in time on his CD, "Meet Guymon Ensley". The Detroit jazz trumpe..."Guymon Ensley has captured a space in time on his CD, "Meet Guymon Ensley". The Detroit jazz trumpeter takes his tone (midway between a Herb Alpert effected sound and Mangione heart) and plays with palatable maturity. In the opening tune on this 4-track CD, "She's on Her Way" - Ensley takes a compelling yet breezy melody and gently rides the exemplary jazz back band to a very satisfying place. Track 2, "Grandma's Hand", is a group-play jazz wonder. The mp3 clip here of the tune is from the end of the tune - and the band is in that space - noodling and soothe-ling the listener to a frenzy. Ensley speeds it all up in track 3's, "Sonic n' C" - horn section and signature high frequency trumpet stabs fill the space while guitarist, Randal Wilson, throws a couple of out on the edge chromatic fun chops our way. The final track, "What a Funk Down", is a journey down a busy city subway on a cool misty night. The groove supports Ensley's improvisational abandon as he effortlessly flies from possessed soloist to pocket melodist. Wonderful stuff - great CD."
  
  

• earBuzz Distribution Review of GEQ's "Here Put This On" [+ Show ]
  

  "The Guymon Ensley Quintet CD, "Here. .put this On", is in the pocket advice for contemporary jazz f..."The Guymon Ensley Quintet CD, "Here. .put this On", is in the pocket advice for contemporary jazz fans. This CD smokes - and whether they are taking on Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia" or Shorter's "Speak No Evil", they have put together a satisfying 9-track set of envelope pushing jazz standards. Dependable and exotic at times, Ensley's tones are terrific - but the highlight on this CD is the tone and kinetic psychosis found in sax man, Cornelius "Ju-Ju" Johnson's playing. Listen to the clip of "Ornightology" - Ensley paints a canvas gently with muted trumpet - for Ju-Ju to come in and throw paint around perfectly. .splat. Track 3 is more of the same - Ju-Ju to the rescue in the snow in, "Break; Due to Snow". .exciting stuff here. The odyssey of "Speak No Evil" is a thirteen minute walking groove jazz slice of nice. Pianist, Phillip Lesky, is the adult of the group and keeps the 'in the pocket' firmly against the breast. .just over the heart. The CD ends with a pumping rendition of 'Take the A Train', mp3'd here as an entire tune. .it's ominous and pure. Another wonderful CD from Ensley and his close musical comrades."
  
  

Setlist

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ - R&B - FUNK - Sound of MOTOWN SET

Presently, bandleader, Guymon Ensley is composing and producing the band's next CD. The Contemporary Jazz collection will include an exciting array of music influenced by Ensley's background and experience with playing, composing and recording R&B, Funk and the music of Motown. Outside of the funky instrumentals and slammin' horn lines, there will be exciting vocal leads and harmonies as well.

The release of the EP "Meet Guymon Ensley" in 2006 was the change in GEQ's repertore. The rockin' version of Bill Withers' 60's release, "Grandma's Hands" is among three of Guymon's original tunes on the CD which ran alongside "She's On Her Way" as one of the fan favorites.

CLASSIC JAZZ & BEBOP SET

GEQ's instrumentation is that of the classic jazz groups of the bebop and post bop era. The six pieces provide and duplcates the sounds and blends of the groups that recorded the classic tunes. GEQ presents the tunes in exciting arrangements that make the performances unique. The Classic Jazz and Bebop repertoire consists of works written and performed by the legends such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver and John Coltrane.

The first CD titled "Here Put This On," released in 2003, is a depiction of GEQ's style. Ensley's arrangement of Charlie Parker's "Onithology" and "A Night In Tunsia" have been proven a fan favorites. One of Ensley's original compositions, "Oh Yeah" is a favorite on the re-release of the CD in 2010, as a bonus track.

Basic Requirements

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