Jazzy folkie or folksy jazzbo? Grover Kemble coming to The Minstrel in Morris Township, Aug. 31

Grover Kemble, who has been lighting up stages since the 1970s with his flashy guitar work and snappy vocals, has been rediscovered in Morris County.

A consummate showman who began his career with Sha Na Na and Za Zu Zaz, Grover brings his unique brand of musical mirth to The Minstrel in Morris Township on Friday, Aug. 31, at 8 pm. The $7 admission price, which includes opener Jacob Johnson, may be the entertainment bargain of the century.

We caught up with Grover this week and asked how he keeps his creative juices flowing like a mighty river.

MORRISTOWNGREEN.COM: There have been many Grover sightings over the last year: High-profile gigs at two Morristown Jazz & Blues Festivals, a night at the Mayo’s Starlight Room with Brynn Stanley, a Za Zu Zaz reunion and even a couple of “comeback” shows with 1940s singer Naomi Sunshine. Have you discovered the Fountain of Youth?

Grover Kemble: It is really baffling to me that I’m still bangin’ out fun projects after 40-plus years at it. I’ve come full circle with this ol’ career…folk music to rock to jazz to folk. It’s all good musical influences to draw from. I like doing traditional folk music in a jazzy way and jazzy music in a FOLKSY WAY. That’s really what I’ll be attempting at The Minstrel on Friday night….mixing styles and havin’ fun with all of it. As to the Fountain of Youth, my regular morning jogging has turned into more morning slogging, so I’m still goin’ like the Energizer Bunny, but at a reduced speed.

MG: Seriously, your popularity just keeps growing. What’s your secret?

Grover: If my popularity keeps growing I’m unaware of it. People say they’ve been catchin’ me for years and I appreciate everyone’s support for my music and for live music in general. Keep on keepin’ on, and if you can stop by and dig ol’ Grove, do so. If you can help some young new artists find their way by supporting’s soul and it needs support and cultivation.

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MG: What surprises will you pull out of your gig bag at The Minstrel this week?

Grover: I’m gonna reach back and do some songs I wrote 40 years ago. I think they hold up and it’s been great looking over my whole body of work over the years. Since the sets are only 45 minutes I can’t get everything I wanted to get in and deciding on the tunes was kinda tough. There’ll be tunes from my entire playing days and lots of different styles will be covered . . . Appalachian, jazz, calypso, and blues.

MG: The Minstrel is known for folk music. Can your jazz guitar play any cowboy chords?

Grover: Hey man, I learned how to play guitar listening to Burl Ives records my dad had, and having Burl’s song book. Learning and listening to folk music was my earliest musical inspiration, so that foundation is important even when you finally drift to more modern styles. I won’t be doing I’m an old Cowhand or Streets of Laredo, but I will surprise you by doing a real oldie by Burl Ives (1800’s).

GROVER KEMBLE at THE MINSTREL

Friday, Aug. 31, 2012

8 pm

Morristown Unitarian Fellowship

21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township

Admission: $7

973-335-9489

 

MG: Are you still writing songs? What themes? Is there another CD in your future?

Grover: I’m still writing and will do some new ones Friday. I’d like to do another CD but can’t get into this iTunes thing of selling your tunes online. It just seems so mechanical and boring. I’m old-school and used to sell my vinyl albums out of the trunk of my car. At least I met the people buying them and gave ’em a guarantee of giving their money back if they didn’t like it. People aren’t buying CDs much and you saw what happened to Scotti’s. What a shame, as I used to sell my stuff at that store too! My songs jump around from jazz swingers, blues and ballads to folksy Appalachian styles. I’ve even got a Calypso song called Oh Grover that should get some chuckles. I’m a big Harry Belafonte fan, speaking of folk music, and his calypso style influenced me greatly.

MG: What’s next for Grover Kemble? Will we be hearing more from you and Brynn Stanley?

Grover: I am looking to branch out into some possible theater ideas next year. I have two ideas I’m looking into…both short one-act shows regarding Woody Guthrie and Jimmy Durante. Stay tuned on that as I flesh them out. It’s been fun working with Brynn and watching her grow. She’s developed a network of musicians she plays with during the year but we have a ball swinging out each time we get together. We’ll be at Shanghai Jazz next Friday, Sept. 7, so c’mon by for that if you’re inclined. So listen Kev, it’s all been a ball this music life, and if folks would drop by this Friday to The Minstrel I’d be honored to share some stories and original tunes from an old folky turned jazzer. The Minstrel is the greatest folk club in our area and should be supported by this community to the fullest while we still have it. Thanks for everything…hope to see some of ya.

VIDEOS, STORIES ABOUT GROVER KEMBLE

Grover Kemble & friends at 2012 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival