MP3 Greg Meyer - EASY LISTENING: Crooners/Vocals
14 classic songs arranged and sung with an original approach. Every track is a winner.
14 MP3 Songs
EASY LISTENING: Crooners/Vocals, JAZZ: Jazz Vocals
Details:
GREG MEYER – Biography
Greg Meyer, simply called GM by his contemporaries in the music scene says :
“I try to do something right, or not at all!”
Greg always had an ambition to be a musician or singer. As a child he would sing along to his mother’s records, mainly from the swing and motown eras’.
Greg tried the drums for a while and later took piano lessons.
In the end, he realised his real passion was singing.
After some time focusing on developing his skills, he was invited to “sit in” with various bands around town and was soon being recognised as “that singer with the smooth voice.”
Some of the local artists that inspired Greg in the early days were vocalists Denis Sheridan, Marlene Richards, Rick Woodroofe, pianist /arranger Barry Maine, and they, along with many others have all given Greg incredible encouragement and support with his musical career.
Greg formed his own Quintet with leading musicians, Dave McEvoy (piano), Tim Bowen, James Sked (bass), Ben Riley (drums), Tom Pulford (Sax), and Adam Lutley (piano), including other players from time to time. All were a significant influence to his musical development.
“You only perform to the standard around you” Greg Says, and these guys are good!
In 2003, Greg met legendary Australian trombonist Bob Johnson, and was invited to sing with the “Bob Johnson Big Band”.
Greg had sung with groups up to 11 players, but the experience of singing in front of a fully rehearsed 18 piece band was the next step.
From there Greg appeared regularly with the BJBB, and together they celebrated several successful seasons at the “Govenor Hindmarsh Hotel”, “Lakes Resort Hotel”, and many corporate functions.
In 2005 Greg and Bob Johnson discussed the possibility of doing an album. Bob went away and arranged all 14 tracks for Greg with original versions to suit Greg''s vocal talent.
Prior to recording, Greg attended a concert by the highly acclaimed, 6 times Grammy Nominee jazz singer Mark Murphy, and once they had been introduced, Mark offered some invaluable and professional guidance to further develop Greg’s vocal talent. This turned out to be very positive for the album with Mark being extraordinarily impressed with the outcome.
In 2005 whilst Greg was studying and singing throughout Europe, he snapped up the opportunity to also confer with one of London’s leading ladies of jazz, and friend Anita Wardell.
Very soon after, Greg was invited to support George Benson on his 2005 Australian Tour.
Meeting after the show, George complimented Greg’s Quintet and commented on the smooth texture and unique style of Greg’s voice throughout the performance. He encouraged Greg to do a recording and start touring.
Greg has developed his own contemporary style over the years. Most singers start out taking a leaf out of their idol’s book. His style is swing based as he has done so many jazz gigs over the years – it is purposely contemporary and more clipped than the classic crooners of the ’40s and ’50s. He likes adding his own element to songs. Subtle blues licks in parts of “Blue Moon” and “More” on his album are a good example.
Greg’s objective with his debut album has been to create a CD that is great to listen to from start to finish.
New arrangements of great songs, combined with varied tempos and his unique contemporary vocal style, make this album a winner.
Greg’s passion is to go on developing new ideas and continue performing as long as he can.