“The worse singer I’ve ever heard.”
Gregg didn’t grab a microphone at five years old and wow a crowd with his beautiful singing. Instead, he began performing in a high school musical theater only because all his friends were doing it. Yet after the music director at that show called him the worse singer she had ever heard (true story), Gregg began formal training in classical voice at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis and took his first steps to upgrade his singing.
Over the years, Gregg developed his talent by studying with such Twin Cities musicians as Roberta Davis, Leon Thurman and Vicky Mountain.
Today, with more than 30 years of experience, Gregg has performed as a jazz solo artist, as a member of a vocal jazz quartet, as singer and master of ceremonies with the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra, an 16-piece big band.
He’s performed at many Upper Midwest venues, including the Dakota Bar and Grill, The Times Bar & Café, Mystic Lake Casino, Bryant Lake Bowl, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and the Wabasha Street Caves (Minneapolis/St. Paul), Winter’s Jazz Club, and Davenport’s (Chicago).
Gregg’s style draws influence from Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughn, Mark Murphy and others. He seamlessly transfers his classically-trained voice (“like butter’” according to one fan – yes, she really said that) into the improvisation, energy, and butter-like smoothness of jazz.
In live performances, Gregg creates powerful and audience-engaging vocal jazz improvisation, taking the greatest artistic risks possible in order to build a great experience for his audience.
“I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” from the album Starting Point:
“How Does The Wine Taste” from the album Starting Point:
“Tangerine” with the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra: