Greg is a multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass and drums, but considers himself a singer and songwriter first. “I heard Quincy Jones say to work on your main skill, and I think mine is to write songs and sing them,” says this self-described accidental troubadour.
In the early 90’s Greg sat in with legendary jazz organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, at Ohara’s Pub in Ft. Lauderdale. Impressed with his raw talent, Smith helped Greg integrate into the local music scene. Soon after, Greg auditioned and was accepted on the spot by Dr. Beverly Coulter to Miami-Dade Colleges music program. He later transferred to the University of Miami’s prestigious and highly selective Jazz Vocal Program. There Greg honed his singing and met other musicians, some of whom would become lifelong collaborators.
One night while listening to drummer Duffy Jackson’s band playing at a jazz club, Greg heard what he thought must be a guy in his 60’s obscured behind the upraised piano lid. At the end of the set, the pianist revealed himself to be this kid who looked like he was still in high school. As fate would have it, a year later a mutual teacher invited Greg to a Christmas party where he recognized that wonderful pianist, Martin Bejerano. Greg explained that he had started writing songs and wondered if he could show them to the pianist. Martin gave him his number, launching an enduring friendship. For more than 20 years Martin has been a confidant, teacher, sounding board, and most importantly a trusted ally. Martin has gone on to enjoy success as the pianist in the Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band, leader of his own band, and a jazz piano professor at the University of Miami. With his full plate, Bejerano has always found time to play on Greg’s projects, and has recently mixed and mastered Greg’s collection of songs titled “Alltrueisms”.
After leaving the U of M Greg was introduced to famed guitarist Gary Talley of the Boxtops who invited him to try his luck in Nashville. In the mid 2000’s Greg lived and worked in Nashville where he absorbed a whole new pallet of country sounds, including pedal steel guitar. He cites this time as a fruitful period that helped him grow as a songwriter. Talley can be heard on Greg’s song “Try Too Hard.”
Selected from 100’s of applicants, in 2010 Greg was awarded Broward County’s Foster Fellowship Grant for Emerging Artists, enabling him to record a 4 song EP.
The next summer, Greg went to work in the Hamptons, on Long Island, NY. He heard about a jam session hosted by jazz drummer Claes Brondal, where he met a wonderful, supportive group of musicians including guitarist Bryan Campbell and violinist Bob Stern. Bob lent his studio for the recording of “Alltrueisms”, which brought together Greg’s Miami friends including Martin Bejerano, drummer Jason Furman, electric bassist Mike Rens, upright bassist Young Won Cho and Bryan Campbell to collaborate on 12 of Greg’s original songs.
Greg has faced many ups and downs in his life. When he was only nine years old, one tragic night his childhood home in Syracuse, NY was destroyed by fire. Greg and his sister survived, but his parents and two other siblings did not. After that devastating event, Greg was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle in South Florida. He spent years struggling to adapt to alien circumstances and surroundings, all the while grieving the loss of his immediate family. His songs are a reflection of his experience, at times heartbreakingly sad, frequently tongue-in-cheek, surprisingly optimistic but always Greg at his most honest. When asked about his future plans Greg says he’s just taking each day as it comes and is grateful for life and the gift of music. “As long as I can sing and I have friends around to share music with life is good, and that’s enough for me.”
