A Tribute to Grant Green | Three guitarists. Three perspectives. One legendary sound.
Few guitarists have left a mark on jazz and funk quite like Grant Green. Known for his soulful phrasing and infectious grooves, Green’s influence still echoes through generations of musicians today. Three guitarists, Paul Burke, Jason Henson and Lionel Phillipe pay homage with this special live tribute celebrating the legendary guitarist’s groundbreaking catalogue.
How did this tribute to Grant Green come together?
PB: It was Lionel’s idea, and he was phenomenal in getting it all up and running. I first met Lionel at one of Jason Henson’s gigs in late February. We instantly clicked, especially over our shared musical interests. Jason invited us up to sit in on a Grant Green tune, and afterwards Lionel raised the idea of collectively putting together a show. We’ve all performed some of Grant’s repertoire at various points in time, so it felt naturally like the right thing to do.
JH: I was playing a funk gig when the guys sat in. We played some Grant Green tunes and started talking about our shared love for his music. I think it was Lionel who came up with the idea of doing a tribute gig with all three of us.
LP: Paul said he was obsessed with Grant Green, which I could later verify by watching his YouTube channel, where he performed a lot of Grant Green guitar transcriptions. He was definitely the right guy for the job. Jason also liked the idea, and I was so pleased he agreed to take part, as I have followed him for years gigging around town. He is a fantastic jazz guitarist.
What was the starting point? Was it a shared admiration for his work or a specific idea you wanted to explore?
PB: We’ve all definitely shared an admiration for his work, and this was the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into performing a live collaborative show celebrating his music. Back in Australia during Covid, I transcribed a lot of Grant Green tunes and solos during lockdown, and I’ve always loved studying his approach to improvisation and groove.
JH: It really started with a shared admiration for Grant Green’s music. Once we realised how much we all connected with his playing, the idea of doing a tribute show together came naturally.
LP: Grant Green is my favourite guitar player of all time. There is so much music to explore.
Grant Green’s sound still resonates decades later. What is it about his playing that feels so timeless?
PB: Grant emerged at a time very close to the rise of soul, Motown and rock ’n’ roll. His blues-based phrasing and edgier, grittier tone feel familiar even to people who mainly listen to popular music from the 1960s onwards. Grant was also a true creative chameleon who reinvented himself as a funk guitarist during the 1970s.
JH: I think it’s his deep connection to jazz and blues, combined with his ability to evolve with the times. His playing always feels authentic and soulful, no matter the style.
LP: We see today that there is a vibrant young jazz scene influenced by the music around it. For me, Grant Green, like many other jazz legends of that era, is timeless because his music draws from so many influences, and some of the greatest jazz and funk musicians played on his albums and live recordings. Grant Green’s guitar playing is, to me, the perfect crossover between jazz, blues and funk, which is very appealing both to jazz enthusiasts and to people who might not usually listen to jazz. You can discover something new every time you hear one of his recordings. It’s endless.
He moved between bebop, blues and soul jazz with ease. Which side of his sound do you feel most connected to?
PB: I connect most with his bluesy and soulful phrasing. It has been so enjoyable to study and incorporate into my own playing. I also really connect with his funk playing. There’s sophistication and energy there, but also a simplicity to his melodic ideas when he improvises.
JH: I love both the straight-ahead jazz material and the funkier side of his playing. If I had to choose one period, it would probably be the jazz records, but what’s great is that he brought all of that jazz knowledge and phrasing into the funkier music too.
LP: I would say I’m more connected with the bluesy and soul-jazz side of his playing, although I’ve listened to his bebop albums for years and love those too. It was the groovier material that first got me into Grant Green.
Do you think newer audiences fully appreciate his influence, or is part of this event about reintroducing him?
PB: Building on what Jason said, Grant Green was somewhat overshadowed in his time despite appearing on recordings by so many great jazz artists. Younger generations are hearing Grant Green without even realising it, as he’s been heavily sampled in rap music and by artists like Kendrick Lamar. Hopefully this show will appeal to younger guitarists wanting to explore jazz while connecting it with other styles they already love.
JH: I think Grant Green is still quite underrated, especially outside jazz circles. If this gig helps introduce more people to his music and shows just how influential he was, then we’re doing something worthwhile.
LP: Hopefully both. A lot of young musicians and listeners are discovering the genres associated with Grant Green because the recordings are more accessible today. Also, Grant Green was so prolific that not all of his music was released during his lifetime. Some famous albums only came out years after he died, and as a result he may have more recognition today than he did while he was alive.
Three guitarists on one stage could easily become overwhelming. How are you approaching that musically?
PB: We’ll each perform different numbers with the house band, then come together for a big jam at the end. We’re all covering tunes from different stages of Grant’s career, which keeps things varied.
JH: We’ll all play together towards the end of the night, but for most of the show we’ll take turns playing with the band. That gives everyone space to bring their own approach to the music.
LP: The line-up of musicians for this concert is incredible: Tim Wells on keys, Dan Sheppard on bass, Angus Bishop on drums and Simon Savage on saxophone. We are very grateful for their contributions in making this gig really special.
What can people expect when they walk into The Rock Inn on the night?
PB: I hope people feel what I feel every time I walk through the doors. It’s cosy, welcoming and feels like you’re sitting in your own dining room. It’s intimate yet spacious at the same time — a real gem in Kemptown.
JH: It’s a great intimate venue, the band will sound fantastic, and I’m hoping it’ll feel like a relaxed, fun evening with really good energy.
LP: A brilliant night of music with some amazing musicians in this great and friendly pub.
Is this an evening aimed at dedicated jazz listeners, or can anyone come along and connect with it?
PB: Absolutely anyone can come. We’d love to see jazz lovers new and old, musicians and music students, and also people who simply enjoy discovering live music and new artists.
JH: I think anyone could enjoy it. Guitar fans and Grant Green listeners will probably connect with it straight away, but because his music covers so much ground — jazz, blues, funk and soul — there’ll be something for everyone.
LP: Everyone can connect to Grant Green’s music. People who like blues, funk and jazz will find all those genres represented.
Groove was central to Grant Green’s music. How important is that sense of rhythm and feel in this performance?
PB: Groove is everything. Building rhythmic flair and energy on stage is vital to making the performance feel lively and fun for the audience. There’s a spirit in Grant’s recordings and we want to respectfully capture the heart and soul of that during the show.
JH: It’s absolutely essential. The groove, the swing and especially his phrasing are such a huge part of what made him unique. For me, that phrasing is one of the reasons he belongs in the conversation about the greatest jazz guitarists ever.
LP: All the songs I’ve chosen are groovy, and Jason’s selections also include some great groove-based numbers. The band grooves really well too.
Brighton has a rich and varied live music culture. Where does jazz sit within that right now?
JH: There’s a lot of great jazz happening in Brighton at the moment and the scene feels really healthy. I run a few regular gigs myself, and there are always interesting musicians and events happening across the city.
LP: We are so lucky in Brighton. There are lots of pubs and venues hosting live jazz. Once you know where to go, you can find live jazz almost every day. There are so many great jazz musicians living in the city.
PB: Brighton is incredible. I moved here from Australia on a Youth Mobility Visa to immerse myself in more performance opportunities. I’ve only been here just over a year, but I’ve found the scene incredibly welcoming to musicians of all backgrounds and experiences. The jazz scene in particular is vibrant and full of supportive musicians and networks. There’s a real heart to Brighton’s jazz scene, supporting newcomers while embracing everything from gypsy jazz and swing to bebop and beyond. I also love the jam scene here, where it’s easy to network and play with lots of different musicians in front of engaged audiences.
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The Rock Inn Kemptown | 7 Rock Street, Brighton, BN2 1NF | Book tickets here
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