As is the case with many bassists, Larry Grenadier's name may not be immediately familiar. However, if you've been in the audience at a Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Joe Henderson or Joshua Redman concert or listened to their recordings, you will have heard Larry's consummate work. Embracing the role of the bass in a group setting and never showboating for the sake of it, Grenadier has demonstrated the instrument's versatility and consistently finds new avenues of expression within the ensemble context. His ability to converse rhythmically and harmonically with his fellow players is certainly one of his signature attributes, making him a sought after collaborator who is truly among the best of the best.

From San Francisco, Grenadier was a Stanford Jazz Workshop participant during the 1980's, while saxophonist Stan Getz was a principal faculty member (and Stanford University's official "Artist-in-Residence"). Grenadier studied and played with Getz during this period, and has recognized Getz as an important influence, describing him "as the epitome of what I think makes up a good jazz musician: taste, intellect, technique and honest emotion." Through the Stanford connection, Grenadier was introduced to and played with Joe Henderson when he was just eighteen years old, and soon got the call to work with Henderson on a regular basis. After graduating from Stanford University, Larry moved to Boston to join Gary Burton's group and toured with him for a year; when not on the road, he got to know several Berklee students including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner & Jorge Rossy, finding in them a new source of inspiration and community. Relocating to New York, Grenadier continued his ascent, forging what were to be pivotal connections with the then still relatively unknown pianist Brad Mehldau and later, the phenomenally successful guitarist Pat Metheny. Mehldau's explorations of the trio setting with Grenadier and drummer Jorge Rossy put him on the map as a leader and creative force. Metheny, already a household name who had explored all manner of styles and configurations within jazz with (and without) huge commercial success, began working with Grenadier and drummer Bill Stewart (also an alum of SJW) in the late 1990's, releasing their first record as a group in 2000. Through the Aughts, Grenadier continued upon this trajectory, dividing his time between Metheny, Mehldau, Redman, Scofield & others (and from 2006, with Mehldau and Metheny in a quartet, combining the best of both). He also became a member of the sinuous and rhythmically-propelled "collective trio" Fly, along with pals saxophonist Mark Turner and drummer Jeff Ballard.

Grenadier was a Stanford Jazz Workshop faculty member in 2008 and 2009, and we are delighted to welcome him back this year. His understanding of the bass and its function in a jazz combo is profound, and he is one of the most influential players in the industry today. We'll also enjoy hearing him work his magic onstage in masterclasses and All-Star Week concerts!

Here are a few video and audio clips of Larry to help you discover his talent if you aren't already dialed in (or to prepare you for the season ahead if you are):

Brad Mehldau Trio, 2008

Pat Metheny Trio, 1999

Audio Interviews with Larry from 2008 Workshop