Review of Valgar by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 4.4 smooth groove smooth, latin jazz feel in the intro. nice, relaxed guitar melody, well played. nice bass lines and mellow percussion. Review of Valgar by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 4.4 nice nice guitar solöo i like your song it grooves and has a nice mood to it. very nice i like it and it really sounds groovy. Extra Credit: Guitars, Melody, Beat, Mood, Grooviest Rhythm. Review of Valgar by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 4.4 Guitar Very talented guitarist here. Just dripping with a steamy sensuality that is very engaging, but played with a tempered hand that speaks of many years experience. Some very impressive licks bursting through on this track. The progression takes a nice turn toward resolution around 4:14 Very well done. Extra Credit: Guitars. Review of Valgar by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 4.4 WOW! NICE SAMBA STYLE, AND A GUITARIST DELIGHT OF A SONG! YOU'VE JUST CURED MY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE FELLAS! LOL! SMOOTHE, INVITING, AND SIMPLY AN UNCOMPLICATED SONG! YOUR SONG'S CHORD STRUCTURES ARE NEVER PREDICTABLE OR BORING. VERY NICE CHILL MUSIC FOR A RESTAURANT OR BY MY FIREPLACE WITH MY HONEY! (smilin) Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality, Coolest Chill-Out Track. Review of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 nice job very nice melody, the lead guitar is awesome and mood is about the relax the whole neighbourhood. cool i like it. Review of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 good i like how the guitar starts off the music and is the lead instrument. it sounds like a new style of jazz to me. lead guitar is awesome it completes the song. mood is awesome that this song puts off good job on that. this is a good song keep it up. eview of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 RYDERS ON THE STORM? THAT'S THE FEEL I IMMEDIATELY GOT FROM THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR ENTRANCE. PLAYED VERY NICELY TOO, IN FACT! OK, NOW YOU'RE REMINDING ME OF S. AFRICA'S JONATHAN BUTLER! OK, I CAN SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING! YOU OBVIOUSLY "SLEEP, EAT, DRINK AND READ" ACOUSTIC GUITAR 24/7/365 RIGHT? HOW IS IT THAT YOU CAN DO... WITH ONE DAMN INSTRUMENT (Theoretically), WHAT OTHERS CAN'T SEEM TO DO WITH, "LEAD & BACKGROUND VOCALS, OTHER ACCOMPANYING INSTRUMENTS AND SYNTHESIZERS AND OTHER FANCY PROGRAMS?" WELL, I GET IT! BUT I WONDER IF THEY'LL EVER BE READY FOR YOU! YOU'RE VERY ENTERTAINING AND ABSOLUTELY AWE INSPIRING! BY THE WAY, CAN YOU GIVE A BROTHA SOME BEGINNER GUITAR LESSONS? LOL! Extra Credit: Guitars, Production, Melody, Mood, Originality, Most Rocking Track. Review of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 Right From the Start I am carried away by this song as if on a horse riding the clouds, very upbeat, yet calming and cooling, the mood is both uplifting and a tiny bit melancholy. The melody is memorable, which makes this song great as a movie theme, but I wish for vocals to carry the vision further. Extra Credit: Guitars, Melody, Mood, Best Potential Movie Soundtrack. Review of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 hmm surprisingly good. not a listener of jazz, but this is really good, nice and instrumental. i like it. Review of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 NIce guitar work from the top Real cool choice of notes, good melody I could see this getting radio airplay easily, good work. Of course I would love to hear some hand percussion work in there, at least a shaker. NIce work. Oh and the mood is nice Extra Credit: Guitars, Production, Mood. view of Mountain Hike by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz 3.4 Amazing!!!! This song is breathtaking. It sounds somewhat farmiliar, but original at the some time. I loved the guitar intro and melody. It sounds melacholy and so emotional. I was crying by the end. The playing is excellent, as is the beat. The upbeat rhythm and sad feel make me give it a 5. Bravo! Extra Credit: Guitars, Melody, Originality, Grooviest Rhythm. Review of Orchestral Fantasia.. by Greg Smith Genre: Classical disturbing Great sound track, good quality product values, engaging type of sound. Well played and put together. Review of Orchestral Fantasia.. by Greg Smith Genre: Classical Contemporary This song definitely breaks the mold--does many things that I guarantee go outside of my own comfort zone as a composer. While not entirely leaving the tonal world, this piece goes into foreign modes, scales, and ideas that are much more complex that most that are being used nowadays. But still, 8:14 of obviously electronic instruments gets just a bit grating. This excellent work of art COMPLETELY deserves some real instruments! Definitely not your in-the-box thinker, with some of these melodies and chord progressions. Keeps creating incredible new ideas, stuff that I've never heard before. Only criticisms--overt use of the solo strings instrument eventually gets just a little bit tiring. It's nice to hear it stating the melody before hand, but instead of using precious time on the solo instrument, build up to more climaxes! Then at 6:16, it seems to lose its daring, exploring feel and goes into all-too-familiar keys, using the simple timpani and flute and strings ideas a few times to end what was otherwise an incredibly original and impressive points. NOT going to lose you any points for originality or melody! Excellent job overall, I'd love to see who composed this masterpiece! Extra Credit: Programming, Melody, Originality. eview of Figaro Tree by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz It's a trip! Wow! Pretty origional, I can't think of anything that sounds quit like it. Well written/recorded, would love to hear it live in a coffey shop or lounge. Guitar is complex and tight for the most part. I really like the little break down twards the end. I'd like to hear some more of their stuff. Great Tune! Peace Extra Credit: Guitars, Keyboards, Production, Originality, Coolest Chill-Out Track. eview of Figaro Tree by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz country jazz fine rhtm guit to wait the solo one - acoustic guitars - they play as good as they can - and they are nice - mood similar to Genesis sometimes, to Metheny sometimes - I like the solo when it's going to bass register - a little less technique and a little too heart will let this a hit. then here cames the fiddles - alive, I think - [GOOD GOOD] then the duo rhtm+solo guits came back to end the tale. Extra Credit: Guitars, Originality, Coolest Chill-Out Track. - vinsilmcjagger Review of Forties by Greg Smith Genre: Jazz Slick groove Nice slick little tune. Would fit in a tv show. I mean that in a good way! Sounds like an experiment. - breckerbrothers
Greg Smith CD Release Party on September 16, 2006 Greg Smith FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *Tampa Based Composer, Guitarist Displays Depth, Beauty and Technical Prowess on His Release “Above the Clouds” * CD RELEASE PARTY Greg Smith will be releasing “Above the Cloud, ” on Saturday September 16, 2006, in his home town of Tampa, Florida. “Above the Clouds” is a warm blend of smooth-jazz, world music and new age, in a rich tapestry of Americana, served up in a style uniquely rooted in Smith’s experiences. Smith has been a vital part of the music scene since 1966. Having attended Berklee College of Music, Smith picked up the basics for formulating his unique approach to the guitar and composition from influences in school, mentors, and personal experiences that come from many years on the bandstand. Smith has studied with Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell and Manfredo Fest. Some of his highlight performances have been with such icons as; Chick Corea, Larry Coryell, Edgar Winter, Juliette Lewis and many others. These opportunities to share the bandstand with these greats have further shaped Greg Smith into the player and composer he is today. “Above the Clouds, ” is a culmination of these experiences. Please join Smith and his quartet “Above the Clouds, ” as he debuts the cuts to his latest release with audiences in Florida on September 16, 2006 at A Taste for Wine, it’s guaranteed to raise your awareness to a whole new level. Robert Silverstein of 20th Century Guitar describes Smiths latest release. Mixing straight ahead and smooth jazz, Brazilian and a touch of new age, guitarist Greg Smith strives towards gaining his own voice in the guitar world and finds it with his 2006 CD Above the Clouds. In the spirit of some of Pat Metheny’s jazzier , less ethereal acoustic moments, Smith’s instrumental guitar sounds often defies easy category but either way he grooves the spirit is quite strong on Above the Clouds. Having studied in the early ‘70s at Berklee with Metheny, Larry Coryell and Jeff Berlin, the Florida based Smith is hardly a novice and throughout the CD he demonstrates a masterful touch on his PRS, Taylor, Gitane and Yamaha guitars, Above the Clouds is a well-recorded CD filled with memorable guitar sounds. Who: Greg Smith and his quartet When: Saturday, September 16, 2006 Time: 8:30- 11:00 Where: A Taste for Wine, 241 Central Ave St Pete, Florida 33701 Venue Phone: (727)895 1623 Tickets: Free to Public Press Contact: Kari Gaffney, Kari-On Productions – 706.294.9996 - karionprod@knology.net Photos: www.gregsmithguitar.com E-press Kit: www.karionpresskits.com Kari-On Productions P.O. Box 436, Evans, GA. 30809 tel: 706.294.9996 fax: 706.210.9453
Guitarist/composer/educator Greg Smith attempts an ambitious synthesis
within adult contemporary jazz intended to jettison his jazz vision
from the maudlin confines of what passes for “smooth” jazz today.
Smith is not satisfied with the cliché throbbing synthesizers and
intellectually deprived virtuosity plaguing the majority of jazz
ostensibly intended for greater crossover appeal. Smith’s approach is
successful in its intentions on Above The Clouds.
This recording is a collection of original compositions that function
as an integrated suite or “tone poem” of music that touches the corner
of multiple genres in an effort to assimilate these differing styles
into a cohesive uber-performance. Smith has a unique ability to
compose hook-filled pieces that you may well be humming later in the
day after one spin of the disc. Infectious pretty well describes the
entire phenomenon. Add to this the technical aspects of reveberation
with a slight delay, and the resulting sound is very much Smith's own.
The title track offers a lilting example of guitar made ethereal.
Smith achieves a sitar-like tone that gives the song, constructed over
Western harmonies, a decidedly Eastern flavor, like a hint of curry in
one’s pasta. The solution of styles is provocative. Another example,
“Mountain Hike,” immediately takes on a Monterey-to-San Francisco feel
in Smith’s rhythum accompaniment to this solidly melodic song. Smith’s
obbligato and improvised solos are thoughtful and cleverly constructed
not to waste notes—likewise, the entire recording. Above The Clouds is
Greg Smith’s shot across the bow of boring “smooth” jazz, showing that
the genre can be much, much more.
C. Michael Bailey - All About Jazz (Mar 12, 2007)
Greg Smith "Above the Clouds" (self released)
Tampa based guitar master Greg Smith has released a very nice CD here.
Each song tells a story without vocals...but he does provide a
storyline on the back of the CD. While at first you may think "New
Age",don't. This goes way beyond that,the man can play and gets his
story across as well.
I thought of Acoustic Alchemy when I first heard this but I listened
more intently,I heard a lot more different influences,country,jazz,a
sprinkling of punk and above all,a artist supremely confident in his
ability to make his guitar his voice.
The sound is spot on,engineer Tony Rockliff's knob turning is razor
sharp,you can hear and see exactly what note Greg is playing. The CD
features 14 great cuts,my favorites were "Chessmates" a song about two
friends who play in Brooklyn everyday and "Mountain Hike" which
explains itself. This is a perfect CD to play while relaxing after a
hectic day. This kicks ass...
recommended
Michael - my space/here and there reviews (Apr 1, 2007)
The summer is about ice cream, cool breezes, suntan lotion, and
swimming pools. The warmth on your cheeks and the bright lights in the
sky could turn any bout of the blues into the warmest hues. Puppy dogs
run through the weeds and make each patch of grass their own. That’s
how the lackadaisical music found here will make you feel. These songs
are a weight off your shoulder and a sigh of relief. This album is
about as sunny and sweet as a sun-dried raisin. Not to mention, it’s
saturated with a flurry of Sno-Cones before it ever gets too parched.
Greg Smith cooks cinnamon and spice in this caramel-corn creation.
To produce such sundry selections, Smith uses a cornucopia of
equipment. His gear consists of models from the collection of
D’Angelico, Paul Reed Smith, Taylor, Gitane, and Yamaha. He even adds
orchestrations by way of software package called Finale. Smith is the
very definition of versatility. As the liner notes point out, he is
well-versed in both straight-ahead and smooth jazz. His repertoire
also incorporates avante garde, rock, funch, afrocubun, pop, blues,
country, folk, Brazilian, new age, and classical. If you like a good
blend, you’re really in for a treat as this album traverses every bit
of this terrain.
To give you a better handle on his stature, Smith performs regularly
in several groups across many genres. If you frequent the music scene
in the city of Tampa Bay, you might find him performing as a solo
acoustic guitarist. I must attest; this is where he excels the best.
Additionally, if it were necessary to drop names, he could confirm his
involvement with Edger Winter, Chick Corea, Larry Coryell, Pat
Metheny, Jeff Berlin, Glen Zottola, Juliette Lewis, and Manfredo Fest,
plus numerous others. No matter how you slice it, he has the resume,
the references, and the work experience. With that, I think we’ve
covered all the bases.
Without further ado, let’s peruse the crunchy clusters found inside
this finger-licking good bucket of grub:
Above the Clouds – He starts with an extraordinary instrumental. It’s
a morning at Club Med followed by an afternoon at The Paradise Inn.
The evening is capped off with cocktails and stogies inside The Gold
Bar. The experiences chronicled here is more along the lines of The
Flamingo Kid than a Bronx Tale. Only heaven can be found in this
kitchen, which is why this is dedicated to the incredibly cloudy
artwork of Jim Warren. The impressive design on the cover is supplied
by this extremely doting artist. It’s an interesting culmination of
white stallions in the sky. Even though there is overcast, your skin
will receives plenty of sunlit beams and affable. There’s also a
generous ration of gracious radiation. To soak up this song, all you
need to do is lay back on the furnitute in the patio and hit play.
Mountain Hike – This gets off the smooth road and onto a rustic path.
It’s a little grimier than the last, but like a youngin’ in the mud,
it’s pure unadulterated fun.
Stop Sign in Brazil – In these diarios de motocicleta, Ernesto and
Alberto motor through the streets and alleys of several South American
towns. A frog is snuggled inside the daypack that’s burrowed in the
cargo hold. The amphibian whistles and croaks as they cruise along in
their journey.
D’s Dream – Like a Dreamsicle, it drips of orangey acrid syrup. You
can’t help but lick this juicy wet stick. As if it were a sage, the
guitar mystically overshadows the scene by hitting both low notes and
lead sounds.
Lava – This song flows down the cracks and crevices of a mountainside.
This liquid monster is sinister in its intentions. It means to burn
your flesh as the heat can be felt from miles away. Take awe in its
beauty but heed its perilous warning.
Appaloosa – We only encounter the affirmative and upstanding citizens
in this exultant rendition of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. The
acoustics dominate the nomadic deserts whereas the dust devils roll
passively through its isolated plains. This is quite different from
the rest. It offers an intriguing reprieve from the other glossy
prints.
Forties – Out of the scorching atmosphere presented by the last, we
enter into this ventilated sitting room. This lounge features a pair
of essential components. First, there’s a moody bass that’s far from
basic. In parallel comes a jazzy guitar that’s attuned to be adjacent.
In this glass, we mix ice tea with lemonade. Some call it a Floater
while others say it’s an Arnold Palmer. If it’s spiked with something
other than fruit or herbs then it’s certainly been extracted from
rocks of Long Island. In any event, the results are purely crisp
refreshment. Altogether this ditty is quite the way to take a load
off. Moreover, the chairs are comfortable while the fans are set to
full blast. By the way, the inspiration behind this song was a dream
on the eve of the fortieth birthday of Smith’s wife.
Valgar – There is nothing vulgar about these expressions. The
Calypso-inspired cadence accompanied by countless cackles and squawks
instantly reminds me of Neal Morse’s “The Man Who Would Be King”. In
case you didn’t know, the term is not a spelling error. Instead, it
marks another special date on the calendar. Keeping in line with the
naming convention previously established, it’s an allusion to his
friend Gary and his mother-in-law Val’s mutual birthday.
Summer Sand – This is about as sparse as sand on a beach. The guitars
provide the subtlest pull. With your toes sloshing about in these
soggy tiny pebbles, you’re totally liberated by the tug of this
shallow quicksand.
Calamity – With the clank of a mallet on solid hunk of wood, it sounds
like roofers pounding their nails into the shingles and shale. Before
their hands can tire, they lift a bottle of Corona to their lips. This
invigorating beverage urges them onto to the next task. In the
solution one can taste, a pang of maracas and a twist of lime.
Chessmates – As the Packer’s perform the Lambeau Leap, the Cheeseheads
go wild. This game on the gridiron is a literal chess match. However,
before the hut-hut-hike is to take place, no creature is stirring, not
even a mouse. The only motion being made is the sweaty breath from
these beasts of bastion as they stare their opponents down. It calm
and volatile at the same time as the participants wait for the
quarterback’s call.
Wren S0ong – Whether it’s African or European, estimating the Airspeed
Velocity of an Unladen Swallow should be easy when you hear the serene
iterations flowing through this piece. It’s an offering of the olive
branch, which makes it exceptionally peaceful. To accomplish its
mission, several kinds of soft-spoken guitars accompany an outgoing
piano.
Figaro Tree – In his innovations, he assimilates a String Quartet in
this track. Throughout the album, he’s successfully kept his crop
diverse. As we clear the final remaining corner, he applies another
newfangled option. We get folk and flamenco coupled with the mariachi
man’s aura. In a stretch of relaxing riffs, a drifter passes through
the bridge in the middle.
Postitude: Back into the Clouds – This story ends where it begins with
a dedication to bassist and composer, Chris Needy. As the water
ripples, the original song refracts in the most tranquil of tracks.
While the initial instrumental was great, there’s actually improvement
seen in this particularly meticulous reflection.
In summary, Greg Smith’s Above the Clouds is like a fresh waft of air
after the rain in the summertime. If I were the weatherman in this
world, I’d predict excellent conditions and scores of stunning days
ahead.
8.25/10
[If you want to learn more on your own and willing to do a little
self-study, visit Greg Smith at gregsmithguitar.com.]
joshua Turner - Upbeat and More (Oct 1, 2006)
Press Reviews
what people are saying about Greg's music:
Paul from mondoblu radio/Barcelona,Spain
avatarView from the Blu:
"Above the Clouds" is one of those CDs that grabs you from the moment
you put it on and pleads with you to listen to it. Greg moves from the
New Age feel of the title track to the Americana of "Appaloosa",
through World music and Jazz to a Classical divertimento with enviable
ease. Don't miss his own descriptions of each track, which add an
extra dimension to the music. All in all, if you're looking for an
album that's intelligent and relaxing at the same time, give "Above
the Clouds" a listen and you won't be disappointed.
Also, "you have a great sound, beautiful and clear, lovely to listen to
From jazz great Larry Coryell
Larry Coryell
"Greg is a great guitar player; he's got great technique, fabulous
ideas, and his sense of timing is right on the mark. He's a true
spiritual being with an unsurpassed seeking mind and will continue to
fold the benefits of his humanistic quest into his ever-evolving
musical expression."
more reviews...
James A. Williams/Philly PhatTracks
We're happy to feature artist Greg Smith as this week's New Artist
Spotlight
on Philly PhatTracks. The single 'Above The Clouds' will be featured in
this weekend's PhatTracks Countdown and included on our playlist. Info on
this artist will also be featured soon in our New Artist Spotlight
page on
phillyphattracks.com. Go to our site http://www.phillyphattracks.com for
the schedule and times for your local area.
Best of luck.
James A. Williams
a.k.a. jawillie
President and CEO
Philly PhatTracks
more......
David White
WHITESTER RADIO-SMOOTH JAZZ
Honorable Mention #2 of the Month
Greg Smith
Clearwater, FL
Photo Courtesy of GregSmithGuitar.com
Having started with pop rock and blues in his preteens,Greg Smith
rapidly progressed through his studies of jazz fusion, straight ahead
jazz and chord melody. He attended Berklee College of Music in the
early 1970s studying with Pat Metheny. Having been at it over 40
years,Greg has played everything from jazz to country,classical and
beyond. He has studied with Larry Coryell who says"Greg is a great
guitar player;he's got great technique,fabulous ideas, and his sense
of timing is right on the mark".Greg has been composing since he began
to play and has recently written a string quartet and a fantasia for
viola,bassoon and full orchestra.
Listen for the Greg Smith track "Above The Clouds" from his "Above The
Clouds" CD on WHITESTER RADIO-SMOOTH JAZZ
another review....
Mike James/ Smooth jazz and more radio central new yrk
June 1st, 2006
Greg Smith – Above the Clouds
3 Stars out of 4
Guitarist Greg Smith is originally from Central New York. His artistic
journey has brought him to the Tampa Bay, Florida area where he is a
successful musician on the club circuit. In the past, he’s played with
Larry Coryell, Pat Metheny and Chick Corea. His latest CD, entitled
“Above the Clouds” is a musical journey through Jazz, New Age and a
bit of Americana. The recording is a refreshing change of pace from
the usual jazz routine. What I liked about Smith’s CD were helpful
explanations of the tracks to on the liner notes. It gives the
listener an insight to what Smith was thinking about while writing the
tracks. Some tracks, like "Mountain Hike" were self explanatory and
relaxing & some tracks like "Lava" leaves the listener enthralled.
It's an interesting vision into a musicians thoughts. Thought
provoking and facinating.
another review....
Upbeat and more webradio/Richard Kolp
Greg Smith's Above the Clouds is a transformation of spirit and guitar
working in close proximity. It's teflon coating with just the right
amount of sandpaper to keep you on your toes. His sense of phrasing
and timing are impeccable.
another review...
From CC Cool web radio
Couple of days ago, I received an email from Greg Smith telling me
about his new CD “Above the Clouds”. After listening to the album
title song, I was sold. I couldnt resist buying the CD
(http://cdbaby.com/cd/gregsmith) and add “Above the Clouds” to my
playlist.
Above the Clouds is a smooth jazz CD with a touch of world music and
new age. I think Greg made it with CCool Radio in mind :)
Reviews/awards from garageband.com
various reviewers
Awards! Track of the Day on 24Jun2006 in Jazz
Best Guitars in Jazz, week of 19Jun2006
Best Production in Jazz, week of 19Jun2006
Best Melody in Jazz, week of 19Jun2006
Chill-Out Track in Jazz, week of 12Jun2006
- ahhhhh, peaceful and relaxing. Call me a sod, but I like the guitar
artistry here. Great summer song.
-intelligent music
Beautiful performance, guitar lead is intelligent and the rhythm
guitar chords is a wonderful blend! fantastic arrangement, never
boring and always interesting melody going on! Mood is sweet and
mellow
-Joyful
This song is very joyful and is a good song if your feeling bad. I the
mood is comforting. The Performance is smooth and is great.
-Very Beautiful !!!
This song was very beautiful and the guitar was wonderful as was the
bass and percussion. Really nice guitar playing !!!
-Lovely melody
A slight nautical feel to this, sailing and carefree summer holidays.
A guitar/mandolin type sound playing a good melody and some subtle
percussion spread well between the speakers making it slightly
ambient.
I really enjoyed the theme and the moves in this one. So performance
competent and expressive - arrangement keeps it interesting and mood
as I said summery and feeling good
-Spotlight on the guitarist
Nice blend of guitarist instrumentation. The arrangement good and
production is overall pleasant and professional sounding. Nice job.
-this is so cool...
i feel so mellow right Now... Hey thanks Just what i needed. this is
definetly one of the better songs i heard today
another review...
David King/Cross Harp Chronicals web radio
Unlike music bound by traditional parameters, Greg's guitar playing is
as boundless as his limits of personal interpretation.
His music enveloped us in a positive sound that is as gentle as a cool
summer breeze. We like where he is coming from,
and more importantly where he takes us.
Dave King, Cross Harp Chronicles
Very easy listening
I had a head-ache before I put this track on, but it's clearing it
away as I write this. It has to do with the wonderful tones of this
song. I think it's the timbre variation that I enjoy, and the warmness
of the overall sound.
The guitar work is quite incredible, and the supporting cast is solid
throughout. The rhythm is spot on.
Very nice song, it should be on every smooth jazz station's play-list
Extra Credit: Guitars.
Review in 20st century Guitar Magazine- August issue by Robert
Silverstein
Mixing straight ahead and smooth jazz, Brazilian and a touch of new
age,guitarist Greg Smith strives towards gaining his own voice in the
guitar world and finds it with his 2006 CD Above the Clouds. In the
spirit of some of Pat Metheny’s jazzier ,less ethereal acoustic
moments, Smith’s instrumental guitar sounds often defies easy category
but either way he grooves the spirit is quite strong on Above the
Clouds. Having studied in the early ‘70s at Berklee with Metheny,
Larry Coryell and Jeff Berlin, the Florida based Smith is hardly a
novice and throughout the CD he demonstrates a masterful touch on his
PRS, Taylor, Gitane and Yamaha guitars, Above the Clouds is a
well-recorded Cd filled with memorable guitar sounds.
From Joy IMIX radio:
About Greg's CD:
> About Greg's CD:
> > > > Tracks are all very good. I found the newly released jazz CD
"Above
> > The Clouds" very essential to the listeners who enjoy Greg Smith's
> > music to know what inspire him to write and compose a good melody and
> > arrangements, and how the tunes relates to the "title". The back
> > cover of this CD briefly described why he wrote the tunes, which for
> > me are all very inspiring, original, and comes from the heart.
> > > > Greg is brilliant and excellent, very confident as well, in
his guitar
> > playing. I have my favorites the title track "Above the Clouds",
> > "Wren Song", a slow, haunting, and very beautiful melody, " Figaro
> > Tree, and "Forties" "grooving" tunes, fast guitar playing are
> > phenomenal. Overall,an excellent and enjoyable CD.
GREG SMITH/Above the Clouds: Here's a guitar cat that has an impressive pedigree, has been at it for 40 years and wraps the sum total of his experience around this smooth jazz collection that is just that out of the ordinary jazz item you are looking for when the usual suspects seem to preoccupied with fitting the format and you need some meat to chomp down on. Smooth jazz with an edge, this is the kind of cocktail music you want playing when you let the day slide off your shoulder at quitting time and need something to help you ease into the next stage. Tasty work that acquits itself nicely.