Martin Oliver Grosz (born February 28, 1930) is an American jazz guitarist, banjoist, vocalist, and composer born in Berlin, Germany, the son of artist George Grosz. He performed with Bob Wilber and wrote arrangements for him. He has also worked with Kenny Davern, Dick Sudhalter, and Keith Ingham. Marty Grosz is influenced by the Jazz guitarists of the 1930s, particularly Carl Kress, and uses a lower Banjo derived tuning for his guitar similar to that used by Kress. This produces a much more robust sound for both rhythm playing and chord solo breaks. Grosz is also known as a witty raconteur often introducing songs with long amusing anecdotes.

Career

Grosz was born in Berlin, Germany, but became resident in the United States by the age of three. In Chicago during the 1950s, Grosz recorded with Dave Remington and Art Hodes. In the 1970s, he was a vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the Soprano Summit In the 1980s, he was a member of the Classic Jazz Quartet with Dick Wellstood. He played, sang, and wrote most of the group's arrangements. He has also performed at concerts with Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, and Charlie Byrd.

Discography

As leader

As sideman or guest

With Randy Sandke and the New York All Stars With Soprano Summit With others