E-Press Kit
Grover Kemble
Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist
Grover Kemble's unique and colorful interpretations of jazz, Latin, R&B and original compositions have garnered him considerable attention and acclaim from music connoisseurs and critics for well over four decades. Whether leading a band or as a solo performer, Grover defines the consummate cross-over artist, ready to present his special brand of music to listening audiences of all persuasions.
Full Bio
Grover Kemble has been in constant demand as one of the New York metropolitan area’s premier entertainers since he captivated audiences in the 1970s at New York City’s The Bottom Line, The Other End, and the Newport Jazz Festival. His career has been nationally highlighted with stints at The Roxy in Los Angeles, the Spoleto Arts Festival in Charleston, and the Wolf Trap Jazz Festival in Vienna, Virginia. Internationally, Mr. Kemble has been a regular performer at the world-famous Jazz Keller in Frankfurt, Germany.
Grover began playing professionally in his early teens and performed with numerous acts before touring nationally with the novel group Sha-Na-Na. In 1983, before going solo, he fronted the highly popular New Jersey band Za Zu Zaz with whom he recorded the album “All That Zaz.” In the fall of 1984, Grover showcased and recorded jazz material with a new quartet named Blow Daddyo. This band’s witty, entertaining format delighted audiences and won air play on commercial and college radio throughout the New York listening area. In the late 1980s, he played in both duo and group settings with world-renowned jazz artist John Pizzarelli, and accompanied his band in 2005 at the JVC Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall.
Grover’s CD “Follow” features the full range of his distinctive and engaging style. This 15- track CD offers a splash of smooth jazz guitar, smoky vocals, swing, blues, and haunting original ballads.
“Grover Kemble and Jazz Jump… Live at Shanghai Jazz,” features many guest artists, including John Pizzarelli and local jazz greats with whom Grover has played during his career. In 2005, he released “Laid It On The Line” with partner Bob Marks – an acoustic compilation of originals and hits of the 1960s. In 2007, he assembled a band of accomplished musicians to showcase the music of Ray Charles in a presentation titled “Reflections of Ray.” In early 2013, Grover revamped Za Zu Zaz with a new lineup and gave this new band a strong entertainment style that encourages audiences to participate more freely.
In 2023, he teamed up with the Noble Brothers to record "I'm Serious," an album of Grover originals featuring upbeat R&R, funk, and blues.