Jazz/dance group led by baritone saxophonist Warren ‘Chin’ Garrison, who recounted the group origination “After the conclusion of Pockets’ tour with Earth Wind & Fire, (Pockets members) Al McKinney (keyboards), Gary Grainger (bass), Allen Thomas (guitar), George Gray (drums), (and myself) combined to form the Warren Garrison Quintet. This group enjoyed nearly a two-year engagement in the Billie Holiday Room at Gatsby’s on Charles Street.”
Warren began playing in junior high school… “At one point I was the youngest member of Musician’s Local #543, which later combined with the majority union to form Local #40-543. My membership allowed me to play with the old Baltimore Park Band, and the Municipal Concert Band under the leadership of Mr. Charles Gwynn. Many of the members of these two bands also played with the Royal Men of Rhythm at the Royal Theater.”
Warren started out with the Tamangos, and the Tampicos (featuring drummer Roy McCoy, Jr.). He played with the Uptowns, and Denny & the Hitchhikers through their transformation to the J.G. Hitchhikers, later going on to play with Kenny Hamber, Winfield Parker, Bobby Starr, Rudy Price, and Jimmy Dotson. As a freelance he played for the Young Vandals, Jimmy Briscoe, and many other local groups.
In 1970 “Ralph Fisher made me aware of the need for a baritone saxophonist with Luther Ingram and Unit Truth. The entire horn section came from Baltimore. Harold Adams, John Lamkin, Ivan Smart, and I.” The group performed in Las Vegas, and L.A. where they were featured in the (1972) movie and concert “Wattstax.”
Upon return Warren joined First Class as band leader and road manager, then later teamed with ex-Pockets members to form his Quintet.
In 1988, shortly after his friend Al McKinney passed, Warren’s life changed and he became a gospel concert artist. “I was fortunate to become elevated to the positions of Principal Clarinetist, Woodwind Section Leader, and member of the board of directors of The National Orchestra of The Church of God in Christ under the direction of Dr. Vernard Johnson (renowned gospel saxophonist and recording artist). In May 2008, I was blessed to receive my advanced degree as Doctor of Sacred Music, from the Eastern Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia.
