Just like it starts with so many nicknames, what started out as somewhat of an inside joke the stage name “Dr. Concussion” became Grant Nielsen’s musical persona. In fact the name Grant Nielsen would probably not have been recognized as a musician until recently. Never the less, Grant has in fact been a big part of the Jacksonville music scene for quite some time now.
For those of you who are not familiar, Dr. Concussion is just one of the members of Jacksonville’s Fusebox Funk a seven piece band currently celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary, pretty impressive in a time where many bands struggle to make it. We will get back to this band in just a bit. In addition to being an original member of Fusebox Funk Dr. Concussion is the bass player in Black Drum a band that he produces. But wait there’s more. He recently started a solo project JacksonVegas, a tribute to the city of Jacksonville. JacksonVegas has blossomed into a four piece band allowing for some musical depth, let’s face it one guy can play only so many instruments, sometimes you need back-up.
If you couldn’t tell by the fact that this guy is in three different bands simultaneously that he is very passionate about what he does, just take a little time to talk to him. He is music personified, starting his music career at a very young age. His roots are in blues and jazz but he now seems to dabble in a little bit of every style. In fact when asked to classify his music he comes back with “Music is just music. It becomes hard to be original if you have to classify your music.” In a musical climate where bands classify themselves under multiple genre’s Grant realizes that there really only needs to be one classification – Music.
With all of his experiences this story could easily turn into a small novel I am sure but in the interest of keeping it short I will try to wrap this up. First check out all the links attached to hear for your-self the talent and passion. Next mark the day November 19th on your calendar and make sure to get your tickets for the Fusebox Funk 10 Year Anniversary party being held at Mojo Kitchen in Jacksonville, Lady Daisey and Batsauce will also be part of the festivities, tickets are $15.
As always go out and support your local music scene, they work hard to entertain you! If you are in a local band or know of someone in a band, let me know I would love to tell their story too. And if you like reading about your local musicians click on the subscribe button and the stories will come right to your inbox.
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