Grachan Moncur III was born in New York City at Sydenham Hospital on June 3, 1937 into a musical family that included his Uncle Al Cooper, leader of the Savoy Sultans, and Grachan’s father, Grachan Brother Moncur II who played bass as a member of Savoy Sultans. His father also played with such notables as Billie Holiday, Diana Washington, and pianist Teddy Wilson among others.

Grachan’s early musical studies started at Laurinburg Institute under the musical direction of Frank H. McDuffie Jr. and Phillip Hilton, a very advanced trombonist and student. His trombone playing began with the all-state marching band and he eventually became a member of the jazz combo. He rapidly moved forward to become leader of the Laurinburg Jazz Septet, and musical director of Laurinburg’s traveling musical revue that included singers, dancers and a variety of talented performers.

After graduating from Laurinburg Institute he attended the Manhattan School of Music and the Juillard School of Music. While achieving academic training he also performed as leader and co-leader with various groups that included such stars Wayne Shorter, Gary Bartz, and Blue Mitchell along with jamming at jazz spots such as Birland, the Open Door; The Five spot; Turbo Billage; Cafe Bohemia and Count Basies. Grachan continued his career with fabulous Ray Charles Orchestra. He worked with the group from 1959 until 1961. At a Ray Charles show at the Apollo Theatre which included the Jazztet, Grachan’s outstanding solo performances were observed by Benny Golson and he was immediately recruited as the trombonist into the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet. He performed with the Jazztet until it disbanded in 1962.

Shortly thereafter Grachan became musical director of the Jackie McLean Quintet that included Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), Eddie Khan (bass), and Tony Williams (drums). Grachan inherited the leadership of the group at the departure of Jackie McLean. The group performed for several years under Grachan’s leadership at such famous clubs as the Blue Coronet in Brooklyn and Slugs in the Village. Under Grachan’s leadership on various occasions, the group included Herbie Hancock and Clifford Jarvis.

During the Jackie McLean/Grachan Moncur III era, historical Jazz albums were recorded, One Step Beyond, Evolution, Destination Out, Some Other Stuff, and the classic jazz series double album Hipnosis, were all recorded during this period of Grachan’s development. These albums on the Blue Note label featured Grachan as a trombonist and composer and lead to the acceptance of what has been termed “Avant Garde” opening the door for other musicians to record “new music” on the Blue Note Label.

Grachan’s exceptional talents afforded him an opportunity to act as well exhibit his musical genius as trombonist, composer, and actor in James Baldwin’s Broadway production of Blues for Mr. Charlie. During this period he also worked with the great Sonny Rollins playing a stint at the Plugged Nickle in Chicago, the Village Vanguard in New York City and concerts in the New York metro area. At the conclusion of “Blues for Mr. Charlie”s European tour, Grachan began playing with the Joe Henderson/Kenny Dorham Sextet. After two decades of performing with some the world’s greatest jazz musicians, composing traditional and avant garde compositions, Grachan embarked on a new and challenging mission. His appointment to the largest Art Institute (Newark Community School of the Arts) in New Jersey as composer in residence, where he taught aspiring musicians in addition to composing, gave him time to reflect on his past and prepare for his future.

Most recently he has made quest appearances with Change of the Century Orchestra. The orchestra is dedicated to the memory of John Coltrane and was founded by Philly Joe Jones and Sunny Murray. He also devotes time to college appearances and ethnic performances.

Grachan feels his maturity has enhanced his capabilities and commitment to jazz and looks forward to future tours and recording with his own ensemble as well as continuing his educational activities.

Originally published on www.grachanmoncur.com

Photo credit:

1. On home page – bluenote.com
2. Photo #1 above – jazztimes.com
3. Photo #2 above – allaboutjazz.com