Album Notes

Jill's voice is "Victoria's Secret for the ears." Guitar virtuoso Jack IS the band - playing melodies, bass lines, percussion and harmonies simultaneously. Enjoy an intimate experience of cool tunes with the impact of one act plays. “This disc is the happy result of musical communication between a loving husband and wife. Thankfully, current recording technology allows studio-quality sound captured from an excitement-charged, live setting. We recorded on Sunday, November 15, 2009 to a full house. In an audience survey, these songs were picked as their favorites. With a warm audience, mutual respect and an eclectic mix of cool tunes, we just had the feeling that something special would happen.”

Jack: (from liner notes)

In 1990, I entered a post-gig party with my guitar rather than leave it in a cold car. Someone said, “Play for us.” I said, “I can’t play anything by myself without a band.” Then I heard, “You’re a guitarist - there’s a guitar - play it!” I refused, but began a 20 year quest to play jazz with only a guitar. I had to create unconventional techniques to pull this off. Then, eleven years ago, Jill appeared and took my music to a new level. It was one thing to play alone, but yet another to make music with my best friend which adds a dimension of energy to the music. Jill’s intuitive connection with words, phrasing, and the lovely colors of her voice inspire my search for ways to launch her song into flight. Since a human voice was the first musical instrument and the earliest music had to be spontaneous, one must surmise that the first sounds of music were made by a jazz singer.

Jill: (from liner notes)

Jack accomplishes the seemingly impossible task of playing melodies, bass lines, percussion and harmonies, sounding like an entire band. Being accompanied by a loved one whose goal is to showcase my singing is powerful magic. Our mutual trust inspires joyous risk-taking. Add to that the encouragement of a fine venue and the results are nothing short of miraculous. We expand our carefully crafted repertoire with adventurous arrangements and modern new songs. Every Sunday is a surprise party. We can’t wait to see who will come in - and what will happen musically! There are always dear familiar faces. Fellow musicians often visit. And it’s fun meeting pleased first-time guests who promise to return with others. Jack and I both agree that after three years, our brunch duo is our most exhilarating, comfortable, challenging, and gratifying music experience - ever.

David McCullough - live recording

Matt Mattoon and George Renner Renwood Messenger Studio - mixing

David Neitzke DNA Digital Systems - mastering

Vickie Masnica Rom Squared - design

Keith Watling Watling Design - photography

Dave Luhrssen, ExpressMilwaukee.com: “…a snapshot of one of the city’s most dynamic jazz groups. The generation spanning audience keeps growing along with the scope of their music. Although Grassel has long been one of cities most estimable musicians, recording dozens of albums since the 60’s and penning guitar instructions books, and has always played harmonies and bass line simultaneously, his playing has gone to a whole new level. ”

Randy Otto of the Bay View Compass: "Eric Ellsworth, owner of the Carleton Grange Pub in St. Francis, wanted to feature something unique to go along with the pub’s Sunday brunch. He brought in Milwaukee’s 'First Couple of Jazz,' guitarist Jack Grassel and his wife, vocalist Jill Jensen, to perform for brunch patrons. Three years later, their weekly appearances have become a Milwaukee weekend tradition which is being celebrated with this new CD recorded live at one of their Sunday brunch gigs.

Although the duo has released other CD’s, this marks the first CD on which they appear alone without other backing musicians. And what a treat it is just to hear Jill’s honey-soaked vocals complementing Jack’s intricate fret work. The song menu is a nice mixture of originals and standards, and the recording sounds great! No overdubs. Since they perform most of the time as a duo, it’s nice to finally have a CD that represents them in the way most people know them. And here’s a tip: the CD includes a drink coupon for the pub. Why not use it when you catch Jack and Jill’s brunch gig?