Don Grolnick

The Profile

Don Grolnick (1947–1996) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. A revered session player and bandleader, he worked extensively with James Taylor and released acclaimed albums including Hearts and Numbers, Nighttown, and Medianoche.

American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger (1947–1996). Longtime collaborator and keyboardist/arranger for James Taylor. The reviewed album Nighttown (1992) features Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Marty Herlich, Dave Holland, and Bill Stewart, and includes a version of Cole Porter’s What Is This Thing Called Love.

A single, highly positive review spotlights Nighttown (1992) as a superb jazz album by Don Grolnick. It praises his intelligence, understated talent, and work as an arranger/keyboardist for James Taylor. The septet lineup (Randy Brecker, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Marty Herlich, Dave Holland, Bill Stewart) and a Cole Porter standard are highlighted. The music evokes a noir, city-at-night mood with a swinging, 1960s Blue Note spirit and impeccable 1990s recording quality.