Dick Grove (1927-1998) was a rare and unique composer-arranger-conductor, and just as Clare Fischer, Gil Evans and other arrangers of renown, he had to wait until he was in his thirties before he could make any impact on the jazz scene.

Grove wrote charts for a wholesome, homespun attraction like the Lennon Sisters or the King Family, and a most sophisticated contemporary jazz arrangement for Buddy Greco or Pete Jolly.

He's the autor of the original, Little Bird, which was nominated in 1963 for Best Jazz Composition of the Year by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, or some equally fresh and original special music for a television show or a motion picture. He also arranged, and/or conducted orchestras for dozen of popular music stars for whom he wrote and lead record sessions regularly —or for a major network television show.

Dick Grove served as President of First Place Music Publications, Inc., one of the most active new publishing companies specializing in arrangements for College, Jr. College and High School Stage Bands. Dick also lectured at Music Clinics held at various schools around the country, and served as Judge at numerous Music Festivals. His books on Improvisation and Arranging are recognized as the best in the field.

Dick’s major television show, motion picture, night club and concert credits would fill a book apart. He worked constantly for many leading film and television musical directors on literally dozens of major shows, but like Roy Burns he is devoting an ever-increasing amount of time to contemporary music education as Clinician, Lecturer, Festival Adjudicator, etc.

—Jordi Pujol (Taken from the inside liner notes of FSRCD 995)