SongVault Artist Profile

At just 16 years of age, Grant Richards is one of the premier young jazz musicians in the Pacific Northwest. Since being introduced to the piano and the world of jazz at the age of 8, Grant has just released his first recording entitled Extra Step. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has received praise from numerous sources including the Jazz Society of Oregon and many of the area’s top musicians. In 2004, Downbeat Magazine, the nationally renowned jazz publication, awarded him the 27th Annual Student Award for Solo Instrumentalist in the Junior High Division. He won yet again in 2005, this time for the 28th Annual Student Award for Best Jazz Arrangement, making him one of only two people to win an award in both years. Grant Richards won his third downbeat award, for jazz arrangement, this time in the high school division. He was also awarded Outstanding Performance in composition in the high school division.