Grunsky, Jack « Number 9 Recording Studios

Grunsky, Jack

Songwriter – Composer – Record Producer

Biography

Ten years in Europe: After high school in Toronto in 1964, Jack moved to Austria, where he attended the Academy of Arts in Vienna, but never stopped playing his music. Interestingly, it was during his years as an art student that Jack’s music began to flourish. For the next ten years he became involved in the European music scene, as a singer song-writer and in 1966 he formed the folk singing group, Jack’s Angels, who recorded four albums for Amadeo Records of Vienna. After the group disbanded, Jack continued recording three more solo albums for Amadeo Records, one of which was produced by Alexis Korner in London, England, and featured tracks with Mick Taylor on slide guitar. A number of singles reached the top of the European charts. A German publisher took a keen interest in Jack and brought him on board the progressive German label, Kuckuck Records of Munich, where Jack produced three more studio albums. In 1974, his seventh recording, Icarus, was released – a double compilation album. Throughout his stay in Europe, Jack toured extensively playing major concert halls and music festivals and was often a featured guest on radio and TV specials. Austria’s national radio ORF offered him his own half-hour weekly radio show called, ‘Folk With Jack’.

Back home to Toronto: It was around 1974 however that he felt the strong pull back to his adopted homeland, Canada, to return to his musical roots and pursue his career in North America. He connected with record producer Chad Irschick at Inception Sound and together they produced an independent album titled, The Patience Of A Sailor (1978).

Music for children: Now a family man with two daughters, Jack reached a turning point in his career. When asked to conduct a music program for the Toronto Island Montessorri School, a new musical world opened for Jack – ‘educating children through music’. With four years of teaching music and working with young children, he developed a new repertoire of songs and soon began to perform live again, touring hundreds of schools in Canada, USA, Europe and as far afield as South Africa. During the next 23 years, Jack Grunsky’s name has become synonymous with excellence in children’s music. His 12 recordings along with his publications of teacher’s activity guides, have received all of the most prestigious awards in children’s media, including two Canada’s Juno Awards for Best Children’s Recording. Three of his JUNO winners and nominations were recorded at Number 9 Studio in Toronto.

Current activites: He still continues to tour and is often accompanied by his Chigo Chigo Band, that has come to include his talented daughter, Cosima. Numerous television and radio appearances have broadened his appeal both in Canada and the US. Jack has also developed a symphony show for young audiences called, Welcome To The Orchestra, which he has performed with most of the major professional symphonies in Canada.

Record production for other artists: His expertise as a record producer has been recognized by fellow children’s artist, Fred Penner. The CD, ‘Sing With Fred’ won a JUNO award for ‘Best Children’s Recording’ of 2002. He has also mixed jazz recordings for the Toronto based Nehring, Koller, Braid trio and is credited for mixing and co-production for The Heillig Manouevre’s latest release. Jack has recently also released his own NuJazz instrumental recording titled, Coastlines which has been featured by Reiner Schwarz on JAZZ FM 91.1.