After a successful debut project released in 2001, Morris LeGrande has finally completed his sophomore effort, “One For The Road.” His first album “Fourth Watch” is still receiving airplay across the country after six years. That is a true testament to...
After a successful debut project released in 2001, Morris LeGrande has finally completed his sophomore effort, “One For The Road.” His first album “Fourth Watch” is still receiving airplay across the country after six years. That is a true testament to the musical prowess of LeGrande. There has been a great deal of anticipation associated with the release of this project and once again, he delivers
Growing up in Oakland, California LeGrande discovered that music had a profound impact on him. He would hear music and begin singing, dancing and playing “air” instruments. “I remember hanging out in the 60’s, listening to the neighborhood garage bands rehearse and being completely blown away by six or seven people coming together to make one sound. It was then… I knew I had to be a musician”. That desire was also fueled by growing up in church, the place where some of the best singers and musicians of our time have originated from. Playing drums for twelve years in church placed a sense of rhythm in LeGrande that can be heard in his guitar playing today. Known for his steady grooves and tasty solos, LeGrande has developed into one of the premier players in the Northern California region.
Having been involved in numerous band efforts and countless recording sessions as a sideman, the time came for him to make a decision as to which career path to choose. After prayer, advice, and a ton of research, LeGrande decided to pursue his love of music as a smooth jazz solo artist. The decision has proven to be the right one for the advancement of his career as a musician. He has become an accomplished songwriter, arranger, recording engineer, and producer. “I never thought I would be doing the things that I’m doing today. It is an incredible blessing to move beyond being a guitarist and vocalist.” LeGrande has been fortunate enough to play and record with such legends as Edwin Hawkins, Lenny Williams and The Gospel Hummingbirds. He has also had the awesome experience of sharing the stage with Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, Bonnie Rait, Dr. John, Maria Mulduar, Vicki Winans, Angela Winbush, Roger Troutman & Zapp and Billy Preston just to name a few.
The future looks extremely bright for Morris LeGrande as he continues the climb to national prominence as an artist and producer. The silky smooth texture of his music is winning over smooth jazz audiences all over the country. “Music is the gift that God has given to me to communicate with the masses. I believe there is always someone that I connect with, by what I’m expressing musically. After all, music is the only true universal language and being able to speak musically and be understood, definitely is a good thing”.
