Spring 2024 Newsletter

Happy Spring. We're all ready for some sunshine and warm weather.  We had plenty of rain in SoCal, and I got to know my roof better- thankfully just one leak of a whirly vent that I was able to cover without too much ceiling damage. No floods, since I'm on a hill.

We had a great show in Rancho Mirage with Peter White, Michael Paulo and singer/songwriter Spencer Day. We hadn't played with Spencer in a few years, the last time was in Manila for a benefit for the typhoon victims.

My son, Alex, and his wife Courtney's LA wedding party was very cool, where they performed a whole parody of "The Bachelor".  

I have lots of fun, diverse performances coming up: piano trio, my full original band, soul/jazz organ and more. Just the way I like it.

I'm looking forward to playing a special concert of songs from the new stage musical "Flashes of Light" by Billy Larkin and Ron Boustead about the life of inventor Nikola Tesla and his muse, the goddess Electra. 

Many of you know Ron as my songwriting/singer collaborator on Sound of Emotion, Home for the Holidays, Road Back to Love, Learning to Dance, Love Like This and As good as It Gets (Deniece Williams); also Best Man at our wedding, mastering engineer and jazz/pop artist in his own right. The project is debuting ***
March 27 & 28 at the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood. It will feature many great young singers, special guests Robbie Wyckoff (Pablo Cruise) and Arnold McCuller (James Taylor, Phil Collins) and a live band (with me on keyboards). 

I have been witnessing the development of this fantastic show over the last few years and I'm excited that it is now coming to the stage as a showcase for the songs....ultimately, hopefully becoming a full blown Broadway musical. It is a semi-finalist in the 2024 The Eugene O'Neill National Music Theater Conference, which proudly supports the development of all styles and genres of music theater, including musicals, song cycles, operas, and hybrid works. 

The Tale of Nikola Tesla and the Goddess Electra

What if the most brilliant inventor of all time was secretly being assisted by a powerful goddess from another realm?

Tesla, the name of the man whose genius changed the world for the better. Unfortunately, his accomplishments and dramatic place in history have been overshadowed by modern, automotive corporate branding. Most of the story is true, based on actual historical events. Behind the scenes, or I should say, above, the celestial force that inspired his genius will be revealed in this special performance.

Written by Billy Larkin and Ron Boustead, this concert of songs from the new musical FLASHES OF LIGHT brings to life the story of inventor Nikola Tesla and his muse, Electra, Goddess of the Storm Clouds.
The music is a modern blend of Jazz, Pop and Rock with haunting melodies, heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals. This imaginative tale, told through song, promises to be an electric night of live music. 
Featuring Billy Larkin, Gregg Karukas, Ernest Tibbs, Dave Tull, Devyn Rush, Payson Lewis, Ron Boustead, ARORA, and special guests Robbie Wyckoff and Arnold McCuller.
TICKETS HERE

Here's the link for Flashes of Light to share with your musical loving friends. And if you want to donate: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/flashes-of-light#/

2024 Shows so far


March 22 - Topanga Canyon Bistro   GK piano trio with Ken Wild and Kendall Kay on drums

***March 27-28 - North Hollywood, CA El Portal Theater   "Flashes of Light" Musical concert

April 19 - Ventura, CA The Grape - GK full show w/ Woody Mankowski, Michael O'Neill, Darryl Williams and Joel Taylor

April 21 - Seal Beach, CA - SPAGHETTINI  6:30pm GK full show w/ Woody Mankowski, Michael O'Neill, Darryl Williams and Joel Taylor

April 26 - Pasadena, CA 1881 E. Washington Bl. - GK Soul/Jazz Party GK on Hammond organ with Joel Taylor and guitar TBA

June 8 - Dallas, TX Bishop Arts Jazz Series - Co-bill with Mindi Abair
June 23 - Detroit, MI   Tentative
July 21 - Temecula, CA  South Coast Winery - GK, Chris Standring and Patrick Lamb
Aug 8 - Laguna Beach, CA  Festival of the Arts GK unplugged piano trio/solo
Aug 23 - Paso Robles, CA   Libretto  GK piano trio/solo on the Steinway 9ft. concert grand
October 1-13 East Coast TBA:
October 3 - Annapolis, MD  Ramshead on Stage
Nov 9 - Austin, TX  Horseshoe Bay Resort All-Star Show with GK, Peter White, Chris Walker, Paul Brown, Michael Paulo

December 2023 News

I’m glad to be back in the US after a whirlwind week in London performing sold out shows at Pizza Express in Soho. ​I know, who would think that would be a​ hip jazz club, but it is one of my favorite venues with a great Hamburg Steinway B, and I ​​loved doing do a solo segment on the ​grand piano in the otherwise high energy show with Orefo Orakwue, Westley Joseph, Mark Jaimes and Miki Ramon.

I met people who had flown in from all over Europe and beyond....Hong Kong (ok, they didn't come JUST for me). Other fans came from: Sweden, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria; and many brought every one of my CD's for me to sign. Here are a few photos and some video of the experience. Thanks so much to the musicians, crew, and especially Jim​i K​i​ng and Steph for making me feel so welcome. This weekend Albuquerque, then Vibrato Dec 5 with ​guitarist Ray Fuller, then ​Dec 15 Topanga​ Canyon Bistro on Hammond with Thom Rotella.

Then ALOHA with family and friends.. ...

Jimi King introduces GK at Pizza Express

Jimi King introduces GK at pizza Express

Backstage at Pizza Express.

So, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK. But they DO celebrate Black Friday. It was super crowded at Covent Garden, Soho, Carnaby Street and everywhere I walked. Tourists shopping from all over Europe and Japan.

I also got to ​hear and hang with Tom O’Grady and his very cool Rhodes oriented funk band, Resolution 88 at Ronnie Scott’s. Check them out on YouTube. ​

Winter dates:

Dec 2 Albuquerque, NM African American Performing Arts Center

Dec 5 Beverly Hills, CA Vibrato GK with Ray Fuller

Dec 15 Topanga, CA Canyon Bistro Thom Rotella, GK (Hammond organ), Kendall Kay

Jan 11-14 Seattle, WA Jazz Alley Gregg guests with Peter White and Vincent Ingala

Feb 1 Ventura, CA NAMBA Benefit featuring Gregg Karukas solo piano

Feb 17 Rancho Mirage, CA Grooves at the Westin Palm Desert Peter White, GK and Spencer Day

Summer 2023 news

Hi All,

Happy middle of Summer. I just had a great time playing at Laguna Festival of the Arts with Michael Paulo. Looking forward to returning August 24 with my GK Soul / Jazz Party Hammond organ show. This is such a unique place of ART; my show goes on at 5:30pm and then most everyone heads to the large amphitheater for the 90th anniversary Pageant of the Masters.

Another fun show at Spaghettini; Rick Braun dropped by after his show at Newport and tore it up for the last 3 songs.

​Lots of different, fun shows to announce. More local organ gigs and my East Coast tour in September.

I spent 4th of July week up in the Idyllwild mountains, very chill, and though it is too dangerous to have fireworks, we went to the local parade and guess who was the Grand Marshall? None other than Washington DC's own bass master Dr. Marshall Hawkins, who created the jazz department at Idyllwild Arts Academy many decades ago. I left Idyllwild at sunset on the evening of the 4th, and on my 2 hour freeway drive home I saw over 100 fireworks displays from every town between 9-10:30pm!! Incredible, although I had to keep my eyes on the road.

I love listening to great piano trios, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Fred Hersch, Ahmad Jamal, Wynton Kelly, Bobby Timmons......my earliest influences as a teenager was seeing Bill Evans at the Smithsonian and Blues Alley and Monty Alexander a few times at the tiny King of France Tavern in Annapolis; but I've hardly played in that challenging setting over my career. After our DC jazz/fusion band Natural Bridge split up in '82, I dabbled with a few Sunday and Monday night trio gigs at Harold's Rogue and Jar and Marshall Hawkins was kind enough to play upright bass with me and gently mentor me about the brand new, stripped down trio format. Coming full circle and 40 years later, I've done a few cool piano trio house concerts and played up in Paso Robles at Libretto on their Steinway concert grand and will return in October for more. It is still a dream of mine to play a future unplugged gig with Marshall.

Another Steinway performance, this time totally solo piano, is slated for September 24 in Ojai at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. I'll play more from my Serenata CD and some surprises.

What is most important these days is expressing my gratitude to the fans and musicians who have been with me for so many years. I get the nicest comments on Youtube and Social media, some about songs that I wrote decades ago that still touch their emotions and make people happy. We still love playing them! That is the ultimate feeling, and while I'm not on the road that much these days, we still have a connection. So, Charlotte, NC, Richmond, VA, Annapolis/Bowie, MD, Philadelphia, PA...London, UK.....I'm coming your way with my full band, and looking forward to a big reunion with Bowie classmates. 50 years have passed and we have survived. Congrats. We will have a special "meet and greet" for Bowie friends after the Sept 7 Ramshead show in Annapolis. Stay safe out there and support your local music venues. *-reply to this email and drop me a note for info.

Another blast from the past in honor of the great Tony Bennett, I think this was my last DC show in 1982 right before I moved to Los Angeles.


This is a semi-private show September 8 - in West Grove, PA, 45 min. west of Philadelphia and 1 hour south of Reading, PA. Now open for public tickets.

This is a semi-private show September 8 - in West Grove, PA, 45 min. west of Philadelphia and 1 hour south of Reading, PA. Now open for public tickets.

Organ trio gigs:
Aug 3: Ventura, CA  Bellringer Brewing Company w/ Davey Miller on drums 7-9pm
Aug 4: Canyon Bistro   Topanga Canyon, CA w/ Tyler Hammond on drums and Thom Rotella on guitar  7-9pm
Aug 11: Pasadena, CA    1881 Bar  1881 E. Washington Bl. w/ Tyler Hammond on drums and Thom Rotella on guitar
Aug 17: Ventura, CA  Bellringer Brewing Company w/ Davey Miller on drums  7-9pm

Aug 13: Temecula, CA
South Coast Winery    All-star show with GK, Adam Hawley and Pamela Williams, Michael Paulo
Aug 24 Laguna, CA 
Festival of the ArtsGK Soul/Jazz Party Organ Show  5:30-7pm

GK Shows on the East Coast w/ Brad Collins, Deren Blessman, Tom Tucciarone, Stan Cooper
Sept 2 - Charlotte, NC  Middle C Jazz Club (7 and 9:15 shows)
Sept 6 - Richmond, VA Tin Pan 
Sept 7 - Annapolis, MD  Ramshead OnStage- tix on sale NOW!
Sept 8 - West Grove, PA   Ponderosa Barn-  GK Soul/Jazz Party w/ special guest Lucas Brown (guitar w/Joey DeFrancesco), Brad Collins, Deren Blessman 
October 21 Paso Robles, CA   
Libretto GK Trio on the Steinway 9ft. concert grand!
Nov 24-25 GK  in London at PIZZA EXPRESS- SOHO tix available soon

Dec 2  Albuquerque, NM

Spring 2023 Newsletter

New Gregg Karukas Shows just announced.

Gregg returns to Maryland and the East Coast. Sept 7 in Annapolis, MD @ Ramshead OnStage- tickets on sale today. The Bowie High School class of 1973's 50th reunion is the same weekend, so I'm looking forward to seeing many old friends for a pre-reunion, after-show meet and greet.*

Also, a special unplugged trio show this Saturday, March 4 in Paso Robles at Libretto, a cool new club with a 9ft. Steinway Concert Grand.

Meanwhile, we just had some incredible skiing at Alta in Utah, and then a wonderful 7 day trip to Hawaii to play Kauai and Honolulu with Peter White, Michael Paulo and myself, then back to the Westin Palm Desert. Special thanks to Jim Pedone for hosting us at the Kauai Royal Sonesta Hotel.

We did a co-bill show with Spyro Gyra and it happened to be Tom Schuman's last gig with the band after 40+years. Congrats Tom on your new adventures!

And in between, a couple of fun GK shows in Corpus Christi, TX (unplugged trio with Joel Taylor and Ernest Tibbs) and here in Los Angeles at Spaghettini, with Michael O'Neill, Joel Taylor, Darryl Williams and new sax player/singer Woody Mankowski. I've got quite a varied series of shows coming up, I love the variety and challenge: My full original band, unplugged acoustic trio, Soul/Jazz organ groups, and even some intimate solo piano concerts (TBA); then London in the Fall where I'll do a bit of everything.

*-reply and drop me a note for info.

2023 Tour dates (so far)

  • Mar 4 Paso Robles, CA GK plays unplugged at Libretto on the Steinway 9ft. grand. With John Leftwich and Kevin Winard
  • Mar 24-26 GK guests with Peter White at: Solvang, Livermore, Saratoga, CA
  • April 16 Westlake Village, CA GK plays 5pm short organ set at Sherwood CC for Benefit Loving Home Hospice for Children
  • May 27-28 San Diego-Hammond Organ Summit at Jazz Lounge w/ Carey Frank and Doug Kvandval
  • June 9-10 Oakland, CA GK guests with Peter White at Yoshi's
  • July 29 Laguna, CA Festival of the Arts; GK plays with Michael Paulo
  • Aug 24 Laguna, CA Festival of the Arts; GK Soul/Jazz Party Organ show tix TBA

GK on East Coast Sept 1 - TBA

  • Nov 24-25 GK in London at PIZZA EXPRESS- SOHO UK dates: TBA

Happy New Year- 2023 Newsletter

2023 Newsletter

Happy New Year All,

Lots of different performances lined up for the next couple of months. (full schedule below)

This Saturday Night! Norfolk, VA. Get Great Seats Here: https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/gregg-karukas-2 2 complete shows: Adam Hawley's band opening and then GK, with Brad Collins, Stan Cooper, Deren Blessman, and Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra) ....................many pics worth 1000 words.

First, I'd like to thank all who came out to hear our GK Soul Jazz and Brazilian Party shows with Ricardo Silveira in October on both coasts; we had a blast with Steve Fidyk on drums (East Coast at Blues alley and the Rehoboth Jazz Fest.) and Kevin Winard and Luis Conte on Drums and Percussion (West Coast: Spaghettini and the Grape). Here is a little exclusive video sample.

I also took some extra time to visit good friends Jay Dulaney and Tamara Meyer, Hanging in Great Falls, Annapolis and Fenwick Island, DE.

After our show at Rehoboth Jazz Festival / Sydney's, I stayed for the Sunday Gala All-Star Jam to close the festival. Then, on to Charlotte, NC to play the Middle C Jazz Club. Great crowd and hospitality. Back in Los Angeles, I've been playing lots of Hammond organ and had a great family trip after Thanksgiving to Maui and Kona to play 2 concerts. Then, a fun All-Star Holiday show at Herb Alpert's Vibrato with Jeff Kashiwa and Ray Fuller. Look for new dates with Michael Paulo and Peter White.

2023 Dates, so far:

Jan 7 Norfolk, VA Attucks Theater GK Show w/ Adam Hawley Jan 10 Seal Beach, CA Gregg guests with Rick Braun - Rick's Cafe Live stream.

Jan 22 San Diego, CA Humphrey’s Backstage w/ Paul Brown and Michael Paulo Feb 5 Corpus Christi, TX Private Fundraiser

Feb 11 Kauai, HI Sonesta Resort w/ Peter White, GK and Michael Paulo

Feb 14 Honolulu, HI Ala Moana Hotel w/ Peter White, GK and Michael Paulo

Feb 17 San Diego, CA Pala Casino Gregg guests w/ Peter White

Feb 18 Palm Desert, CA The Westin w/ Peter White, GK and Michael Paulo

Feb 26 Seal Beach, CA Spaghettini GK Show w/ special guest Michael Paulo

*March 4 Paso Robles, CA Libretto Gregg Karukas Unplugged trio and solo on the Steinway Concert Grand w/ John Leftwich and Kevin Winard

March 11 Dana Point, CA Ocean Institute Benefit w/ Peter White, GK and Michael Paulo

REHOBOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL BACKSTAGE PICS

Can you name all the stars?

Soul/Jazz and Brazilian Party w/ special guest Ricardo Silveira- Fall dates

New Soul/Jazz Brazilian Party shows w/ special guest Ricardo Silveira announced:

October 12- Blues Alley, Washington, DC, Rehoboth Jazz Fest. October 14, Spaghettini October 28, Seal Beach,CA, The Grape November 5.

MD/DC native and Grammy winning keyboardist and composer Gregg Karukas teams with his long- time collaborator, Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Silveira for a brief US tour on both coasts. Their Soul/Jazz and Brazilian Party highlights music from their solo projects as well as tributes to Milton Nascimento, Herbie Mann, Jimmy Smith and other Soul/Jazz greats. Gregg made his first appearances at Blues Alley as the original keyboardist with Tim Eyermann and East Coast Offering and Natural Bridge, and has returned over the last 30+ years with his own shows and stints with guitarist Peter White. Gregg was a founding member of The Rippingtons in 1986 and has toured with Boney James, Dave Koz, Larry Carlton, Rick Braun, Shelby Flint, Melissa Manchester, Alphonse Mouzon, Brenda Russell and Jeffrey Osborne.

Gregg and Ricardo first toured together with Dori Caymmi and Sergio Mendes in the 1990's; Gregg then joined Ricardo for his 1991 tour with Brazilian masters Nico Assumcao and Carlos Bala.

Ricardo could be considered the "Larry Carlton of Brazil", and is a veteran of tours and hundreds of recordings with great Brazilian artists like João Bosco, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, João Donato, Emílio Santiago, Hermeto Paschoal, Márcio Montarroyos, etc. Ricardo's first sessions in LA were on Gregg's "Key Witness" CD in 1990 and his distinctive guitar touch has been featured on almost all of Karukas' subsequent chart topping projects. Ricardo's CD's "Amazon Secrets" and "Small World" featured Gregg on keys, and all were among the top five played on the radio, with "Sky Light" and "Amazon Secrets" hitting #1.

......."Gregg Karukas’ music is the epitome of class and elegance…he’s got such a nuanced touch on the piano, and his compositions are always so satisfying. Add in a great ability to communicate live, and you have an all-around great talent."  Dave Koz


www.karukas.com

For interviews. contact 510-893-4705

https://youtu.be/PdLXf78Jrr8
https://youtu.be/o4gjpz3oTd0?t=137


www.ricardosilveira.com

https://youtu.be/Tk8L5rssqBs


RICARDO SILVEIRA:
Ricardo Silveira is one of the main voices of the Brazilian guitar. With a peculiar and sophisticated language, he shows a lot of personality in his compositions and has released many CD's between Brazil and the USA. His refined touch can be heard in hundreds of recordings and shows with great Brazilian artists like João Bosco, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Elis Regina, Gilberto Gil, João Donato,Luís Melodia, Emílio Santiago, Hermeto Paschoal, Ney Matogrosso, Márcio Montarroyos, etc.

In his international career, he worked with Herbie Mann, played and recorded with several musicians from the world/instrumental scene such as Hubert Laws, Randy Brecker, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Don and Dave Grusin, Gregg Karukas, John Patitucci, Lionel  Hampton, Jason Miles, L. Shankar, among others.

More on Ricardo: He has more than 20 releases and a Grammy Awards nomination. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo Silveira studied classical guitar, music theory and attended the National School of Music in Rio de Janeiro. After a year at Berklee, he returned to Brazil, where he spent two months doing shows with Márcio Montarroyos. Back in Boston, on the recommendation of guitarist Bill Frisell, he started working with a salsa band, Latin Stars, one of his first professional jobs in the United States.On weekends, Ricardo left Boston on his way to New York, where he played with the Brazilian group Astra Carnival. Recommended by trumpeter Claudio Roditi, Silveira was invited to join the group of flutist Herbie Mann, with whom he toured the United States for two years. At that time, living in New York, he also started working in studios participating in recordings alongside great musicians such as Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Marcus Miller, Michael Brecker, Jason Miles, Nana Vasconcelos, L. Shankar.


Despite four years working abroad, Ricardo maintained contact with Brazilian music. In fact, most of the invitations to play abroad came also because he is a Brazilian musician and is fluent in different languages and musical styles. At the recommendation of producer and musician Liminha, when they met in the United States, he was invited to tour the album "Aquela Mulher" with the renowned singer Elis Regina. In the same period he began to work intensively on recordings of jingles and records by various artists. After touring with Elis Regina, Ricardo started playing with other big names in MPB such as Hermeto Pascoal, Maria Bethânia, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, João Bosco, Ivan Lins, Nana Caymmi and Ney Matogrosso, with whom he also made arrangements and musical direction .

Between shows and recordings of great names in Brazilian music, Ricardo began to develop his solo project. His first album was "Bom de Tocar" ("Good to Play" Polygram), released in 1984. The song was so successful that it became a theme for Rádio Globo FM, remaining on the air for 10 years, and immortalizing his guitar solos in the title song.

Due to the impact, the guitarist was invited to play at the first Free Jazz Festival in 1985. For the show, he invited talented friends: bassist Nico Assumpção, pianist Luiz Avellar, drummer Carlos Bala and New York saxophonist Steve Slagle.The result was so good on stage that the quartet promoted the recording of the album "High Life", released in 1986 by the Elektra Musician label. The second solo album, "Ricardo Silveira" came in 1987. In the United States, it was named "Long Distance" by the Verve Forecast label, which launched in addition to this, the titles "Sky Light", "Amazon Secrets" and "Small World" which featured Gregg Karukas on keys. All were among the top five American jazz artists played on the radio, with Sky Light and Amazon Secrets hitting #1.

In the United States, in addition to touring with Herbie Mann, he played with names such as Sergio Mendes, Don Grusin, Dave Grusin, Oscar Castro Neves, Dori Caymmi, Nathan East, Vanessa Williams, El Debarge, Diana Ross, Brenda Russel, Justo Almario, Toots Tiellemans , Baby Face, John Pisano, Kevin Lethau, Ronnie Foster, Harvey Mason, Paty Austin, David Sanborn, Pat Metheny, Phil Perry, Ernie Watts, Gregg Karukas and Abe Laboriel. With Matt Bianco, Silveira was in Europe and Japan twice, where he also made eight trips with Sadao Watanabe and Don Grusin.

In 1995 he recorded “Storyteller” for the Kokopelli label, which was also among the top five most played.

In 2001, the CD "Noite Clara" was released in Brazil by MPB and in 2003 in the USA by Adventure Music. This work was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2004 in the Best Instrumental CD category.

In 2003, in partnership with pianist Luiz Avellar, both with experience touring alongside Milton Nascimento, they recorded the CD "Ricardo Silveira and Luiz Avelar live playing Milton Nascimento".

From 2006 to 2009, he was host of the TV show "Studio 66" at Canal Brasil, in more than 70 programs that received several artists for a chat and musical improvisations. Several names went through the program, such as Egberto Gismonti, João Donato, Paulo Moura, Carlos Malta, João Bosco, Yamandú Costa, Chico Pinheiro, Hélio Delmiro and Guinga.

In July 2007, “Outro Rio”, his tenth work, was released in the United States, and in February 2008 in Brazil, respectively, on the labels Adventure Music and MPB. In 2008 he produced the CD “In a different way” by singer Emilio Santiago who won TIM as "Best album of the year MPB". Ricardo participated in the CD "Randy in Brasil" by trumpeter Randy Brecker, who won a Grammy in 2009 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.  

Still in 2009, he signed the musical direction for the work of singer and composer João Bosco "I am not going to heaven, but I no longer live on the ground", which in 2010 was nominated for the Brazilian Music Award and the Latin Grammy for Best MPB Album. In 2010, he released the CD “até Amanhã”. In this album, Ricardo gathers his best known songs with new arrangements signed by Ricardo himself, Vittor Santos, Jessé Sadoc and Marcelo Martins.

2013 was a year of intense musical production. In addition to concerts and recordings, Ricardo released two works, for the time being only in the USA: “RSVC”, a double album with Vinicius Cantuária and “Atlânticos”, duo with guitarist Roberto Tauffic. Not to mention the relaunch of “Storyteller” by Adventure Music in the North American market. With this same fast pace, in 2014 it was the turn of the double CD “Ricardo Silveira Organ Trio”, released in the USA, an old dream of Ricardo's to explore the sounds of a jazz trio based on the sound of a Hammond B3 Organ.

In 2016, two works were released: Cd “Cosmos” Ricardo Silveira & John Leftwich, inviting Hubert Laws and Kiko Freitas and the CD / DVD Ricardo Silveira Quartet “Live in Jericoacoara”, recorded during the Choro Jazz Festival. In 2017, he launched the trio work on digital platforms: “Simbora”.The years of 2018 and 2019 were permeated by international shows and tours alongside João Bosco, Banda Zil, concerts of his authorial work and didactic events such as seminars and workshops in Brazil and abroad.In 2020 he produced a solo guitar work that will be released in 2021, as well as 2 online courses.

"Talking about Ricardo Silveira is a very easy thing for me, because in addition to being a great friend for many years, he plays extremely well, always has a special sensitivity in arrangements, execution, improvisations and accompaniment. After I came to the United States, we met many times and did some shows with two guitars and it was always great to be with him, with great joy!"   Romero Lubambo

“When I was at Polygram, I met Ricardinho and I realized that he was a guitarist who did something easy to hear, with higher quality. We weren't doing things like that, instrumental, but it made me want to have it in the cast right away. The recordings of Bom de Tocar went easily, Ricardo with darn good taste and this record was very remarkable. I feel happy to have participated in this kickoff and then to see it playing all over the world!"  
Roberto Menescal

GREGG KARUKAS:

Grammy winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas adds another ultra-cool Live Performance project to his melodic, piano centered career as he tames the vintage "beast", the Hammond B3, playing  Soul/Jazz and Brazilian for the 21st century with a rotating cast of all-stars. Fans of all things groovy will love The GK Soul Jazz Party as Gregg invites listeners to recall classic songs - tributes to the masters, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Lou Donaldson and some of our recently departed favorite contemporary artists.


 "Trying new things is what it's all about..", says Gregg. "Most all of my recordings have featured grand piano or Fender Rhodes; but recently, I have had so much fun jamming on my vintage Hammond organ, and have made it a personal challenge to develop my own sound on this beast while holding down the bass parts with my left hand and pedals."  

Organic, funky, and melodic: the essential qualities that have defined Grammy winning keyboardist/composer/producer Gregg Karukas’ 13 solo CD's over a three decade career, with many #1 radio hits, both sophisticated and accessible. A prolific, genre-crossing veteran of the Contemporary Jazz scene, Gregg was a founding member of The Rippingtons in 1986 and has toured with Boney James, Dave Koz, Larry Carlton, Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo Silveira, Peter White, Rick Braun, Shelby Flint, Melissa Manchester, Alphonse Mouzon, Brenda Russell and Jeffrey Osborne.

Gregg recently released his 1st ever solo piano project, "Serenata - Piano Impressions of Milton Nascimento, Clube da Esquina and Dori Caymmi".

"With his first solo piano album, Grammy winner Gregg Karukas dazzles, not with piano pyrotechnics, but with subtle nuance and a deep love for this music. A mix of original compositions along with piano impressions of Brazilian artists Milton Nascimento, Clube da Esquina and Dori Caymmi, Karukas clearly demonstrates that, in the right hands, great music (and great musicianship!) defies genres and categories to enrich the ears and hearts of anyone willing to take some time to listen. Serenata is sure to be one of the best and most honored albums of 2021 !"   Kathy Parsons - MainlyPiano.com  


“Serenata” is the definition of solo piano heaven.  It is easy to tell that this is an artist on the very top of his game. The music goes straight to the heart - and stays there.  It has moved me deeply, and several of the pieces here will be included in our permanent playlist, to play for years and years. Fantastic work."    BT Fasmer   New Age Music Guide  

"People say my music sounds romantic and uplifting - and I look so happy on stage,” Gregg says. “It's totally true. For me, the best music comes out of an inner feeling of either intense happiness or sadness. I always try to stay faithful to that original inspiration, because that is where the true ‘sound of emotion’ comes from.” That uplifting attitude shows in his concerts, as Karukas has emerged over the years as one of the genre's most dynamic and inspiring live performers. We can expect to hear a little of everything from this ultra-melodic keyboard artist and his all-star band.

Gregg honed his multi-keyboard, synth programming, songwriting and album production skills in the studios and clubs of Washington, DC, paying dues thru the early '80's with Jazz/Fusion groups Tim Eyermann and East Coast Offering and Natural Bridge. Since moving to Los Angeles in late 1982, his first major sessions were playing synthesizers and bass lines for Rockwell's Motown Gold Album "Somebody's Watching Me", then arranging and playing the theme songs to Disney's Ducktales and Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers. While doing lots of TV/Film music sessions, (Cheers, Stand and Deliver, Life Goes On, Mr. Wrong) Gregg kept developing his own original contemporary jazz catalog on the LA club scene and The Gregg Karukas Group became the house band for It's Garry Shandling's Show on Showtime.

- Gregg just headlined the Berks Jazz Festival in April 2022, and Algarve Portugal Smooth Jazz Fest. May 2022; Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival Oct 16, 2021 (co / bill with Jeffrey Osborne).
- Gregg charted 2 - #1 hits from his recent CD: "Soul Secrets". "Rio Drive" was the #1 song of 2015.
- Gregg won the Grammy in 2013 for producing, composing, playing all keyboards, arranging the Best New Age Album ("Echoes of Love").
- Gregg helped launch Dave Koz Music Cruises in 2011-2013 as Musical Director.
- Gregg co-wrote Jessy J.'s smash hit "Tropical Rain". 12+ weeks at #1.
- Gregg's group was the house band for It's Garry Shandling's Show on Showtime.
- Gregg arranged and played the theme songs to Disney's Ducktales and Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers; played keys on Rockwell's Gold Album "Somebody's Watching Me".

Spring/Summer 2022 Newsletter

Hi All, Here is a quick note about some upcoming events.

I'll be back east at The Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, PA April 2. (Ok, it alredy happened) This is the first full show with my new, fun live project, The GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party. I've been having a blast working stuff out on the Hammond B3 organ and playing a few local gigs with a rotating cast of all-stars. Also joining me in Reading are Brad Collins, Dan Leonard and Terence Arnett; and.....more groovy energy from the Berks Horns.

It will be the 20th Anniversary of GK and the Berks Horns! It all started when I put out the call to see if there were some local horn players to play my Berks concert in 2002, and they have backed me and many artists in the years since. Back then, songs like Back on the Boardwalk, Barracuda Bob, Snakey Shoes, I Meant What I Said and Club Havana would come to life with the addition of the horn section. This time, with Michael Anderson on sax, Rob Diener (our original trumpeter) and John Loos (our bone player for more than 10 years) we will play many classic Soul/Jazz songs and tributes to a few of our departed artist friends. A grooving, fun show.

Then in May I went to Portugal for the first time to play the Algarve Festival at the beautiful Pine Cliffs Resort. Always a great time with Christian Bossner, Sandra and the Euro gang. Great photos from Christian Nordstrom.

The new Stowaway Bar Downtown is featuring a great lineup of organ and piano players. I dropped by after the Namm show and sat in on piano with Carey Frank on organ, Vince Fossett and Jimmy Vivino from the Conan Show Band on guitar.

Lastly, I have two dates at the Laguna Festival of the Arts: July 14 with the GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party, and August 7 "Unplugged" where I will perform songs from Serenata on solo piano, and some jazz and special arrangements of my originals with jazz trio.

I've done a few guest spots on my friends' projects that are climbing up the charts now. Thom Rotella's song "Say Hey" features me on organ, and Keith McKelly's song "Don't Give Up" features me on Fender Rhodes.

We have Thom's show this Saturday June 18 at Spaghettini, Seal Beach, CA https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/Spaghettini/4030/event/1263260

Thom Rotella "Say Hey" featuring GK on organ.

Keith McKelly "Don't Give Up" featuring GK on electric piano.

We lost one of the most soulful, versatile and talented guitarists in the world recently to Covid. Ramon Stagnaro, originally from Peru, had a varied career with everyone from Gino Vanelli, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Dianna Ross, Yanni and countless film scores. Mostly known for his Spanish guitar, he also burned on jazz.

We first played together with Dori Caymmi in the '90's and Ramon was in the core band for my Jam Night at Cafe Cordiale with Eric Valentine, Stan Sargeant and Luis Conte. Ramon is also featured heavily on my more "world music" Grammy winning productions. We played our last organ trio gig together in December and it was such a shock to hear of his passing. A wonderful guy and musician. Here below are a couple of samples of Ramon's beautiful playing.

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Ramon's solo on the Grammy winning CD in 2013. Echoes of Love. Produced, co-written and arranged by GK. Also featuring Charlie Bisharat on violin.

I also pulled out my old 1972 Fender Rhodes that had been in the case in storage for quite a while. Besides being my main ax for decades, it was used by Bob James for a couple of his CD's many years ago. I got inspired to restore it. I was originally going to sell it, but now I like how it turned out, and it has such a unique sound, so I'll probably keep it. Before and after pics.

Organ OG Ronnie Foster (Center), Mike O'Neill, Chris Foster and new friends at Vibrato....

Right: Ron Boustead, GK, Bart Samolis, Lori Andrews at the Westin Palm Desert.

2022 performance dates, so far:

April 2 - Reading, PA Berks Jazz Festival 4:30 PM Ballroom show - GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party w/ the Berks Horns

April 28 - Ventura, CA GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party at The Grape only LA area show

May 4-8 ​ ​Portugal Algarve Festival - GK show

June 16 - Ventura, CA The Twist on Main - GK on organ, Davey Miller drums/vocals, Brad Rabuchin guitar.

June 18 - Spaghettini - Gregg guests with Thom Rotella

June 25 - Temecula, CA Thornton Winery - Gregg guests with Peter White

July 14 - Laguna, CA Festival of the Arts - GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party with Thom Rotella, Keith McKelly, Tyler Hammond 5:30-7pm

July 16 - Ventura, CA GK Soul/Jazz Organ Party at The Grape with Thom Rotella, Keith McKelly, Tyler Hammond

July 24 - Temecula, CA 7PM South Coast Winery - GK with Jazmin Ghent, Darryl Williams

Aug 7 - Laguna, CA Festival of the Arts Gregg performs on grand piano; solo and with acoustic trio. 5:30-7pm

Aug 10 - Richmond. VA Tin Pan GK and Paul Brown-TOGETHER

Aug 12 Elmira, NY - GK and Paul Brown-TOGETHER....More east coast dates TBA

Aug 14 Boca Raton, FL - Funky Biscuit GK Show

October 14 Milton, DE Rehoboth Jazz Fest. Sydney’s

October 16 Rehoboth Jazz Fest. Grand Jam

November 19 Los Angeles, CA Private Event

Fall 2021- more Soul/Jazz Party shows

Happy Fall Y'all.

FLASH gig alert: This Thursday Nov 4 6-8:30pm at Grapes and Hops Ventura, CA

Thanks, Art Good, for inviting me to play at the Catalina Jazztrax Festival in October. We had a blast, with Michael Paulo, Michael O'Neill, Ernest Tibbs and Joel Taylor; and enjoyed a few extra days of perfect weather, hanging out on the island and boating around the coves with friends. Got to check in and listen to Tom Scott, Spyro Gyra, Rick Braun (w/ surprise guest: Dave Koz) and our co-bill closer, the great Jeffrey Osborne. Great crowds! That was my 20th time (I think) playing the Festival......since the very first one in 1987 with The Rippingtons.

My Halloween quiz was fun for the kids that came by last night: "What is my cat Jazzmine's favorite candy?" Answer correctly and get...............?

Here is a quick update of some fun gigs coming up. We had a Thanksgiving week family trip to the Big Island/Kona planned a while ago, then, on a whim, I got in contact with the people at "Gertrude's Jazz Bar" and worked out a GK Soul/Jazz Party show on our last night there. I "convinced" Michael O'Neill (George Benson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder) to fly over to play and enjoy a few days there..... I had played the Dolphin Days benefit Concerts at The Waikoloa Hilton for 3 years back a decade ago, so this will be fun to return to the same area. Yes, there is an organ on the island, thanks to my friends Jocelyn Raquepau and drummer Russ McKinnon (Tower of Power, Barry Manilow), so we will be grooving.

Then, as I was riding my bike in Ventura last Thursday, I came across some cool jazz at the sidewalk cafe of Grapes and Hops restaurant on Main St. (not to be confused with Squashed Grapes/The Grape, also in Ventura). I stopped to eat and listen to my old friend, sax player Doug Webb. Next thing I know, drummer Davey Miller is asking me if I could play "next Thursday".... "OK!", as close to home as I can get.

So, I'll be working on more classic material for the GK Soul/Jazz (Hammond organ) Party shows next Spring, and also figuring out which of my original songs can lend themselves to the new instrumentation. This is a separate show from my -mostly original- piano centered show, although I'll hope to incorporate the Hammond in that show when there is one available. I will NOT be travelling with, or moving an organ around. I also may do a couple of solo piano "house" concerts in the new year....another challenge I took up during Covid.

Sad news for all the Soul/Jazz organ fans, as we lost one of the last of the OG's: Dr. Lonnie Smith in September. It was always a treat to see Doc at the Hammond Booth at the annual NAMM convention. He had continued in the tradition of the departed masters Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson, Jimmy McGriff, Groove Holmes, Jack Mc Duff and was known for his work with George Benson (before Ronnie Foster) and Lou Donaldson. He just released a new CD on Blue Note Records.

Just as I write this, I am seeing Joey DeFrancesco's post on the passing of Philly's guitar great Pat Martino. Pat had quite a life, played with all the great organists as a young phenom, and was "reborn" after suffering a brain aneurysm at age 37 and losing his memory and the ability to play. He was a humble hero to most every jazz/fusion guitarist (especially the late Chuck Loeb) and has a great memoir out. “Here And Now!” Our fusion band, East Coast Offering, opened up for Pat's Joyous Lake group for a couple of nights at the Cellar Door in 1978, and it was nice to see his 2008 return to the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta along with Tony Monaco and Harvey Mason.

Upcoming dates for the GK Soul/Jazz Party

This Thursday November 4, 6pm-8:30pm @ Grapes and Hops 454 E. Main St. Ventura, CA w/ Davey Miller-drums, Pat Kelley-guitar

Saturday November 27 7&9pm Kona/Kailua, HI @ Gertrude's Jazz Bar and Bistro w/ Michael O'Neill - guitar, Russ McKinnon - drums

Friday Dec 10 8-11pm 1881 Bar 1881 E. Washington Bl. Pasadena, CA w/ Joel Taylor - drums, Tony Pulizzi - guitar, Keith McKelly - sax

2022 Dates (so far):

Jan 6-9 Gregg guests with Peter White @ Jazz Alley Seattle

Jan 15 Honolulu, HI tent. GK with Michael Paulo, Peter White

Feb 3-6 Pizza Express Soho London UK GK w/ Paul Brown

March 12 Grooves at the Westin Palm Desert Gregg guests with Peter White

April - GK East Coast Tour (more dates TBA):

April 2 Berks Jazz Festival Reading, PA GK Soul/Jazz Party w/ Brad Collins, Deren Blessman, guest guitarist and the Berks Horns

May 5-8 Portugal Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival

Grammy Winner Gregg Karukas on Hammond organ "GK Soul/Jazz Party"

Appearing Saturday Nov. 27 at Gertrude's Jazz Bar and Bistro 7 & 9 PM

Gregg Karukas (Boney James, Larry Carlton, Sergio Mendes) - organ, featuring Michael O'Neill (George Benson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder)-guitar, Russ McKinnon (Tower of Power, Barry Manilow)-drums.

Grammy winning keyboardist/composer Gregg Karukas returns to Kona and his musical roots for a unique evening with longtime collaborator (and George Benson's 2nd guitarist and producer) Michael O'Neill. They'll be featuring some new/old sounds for Gregg, as he has been developing material based on the classic Hammond organ group format. Soul Jazz for the 21st century with a rotating cast of all-stars. Fans of Seawind star Pauline Wilson will recognize Gregg as co-writer of a few songs on her Intuition CD. This is Gregg's first return to the Big Island since performing for 3 years at the Dolphin Days All-Star Concerts at Waikoloa Hilton with Michael Paulo, Jeffrey Osbourne, Pauline Wilson, Kenny Rankin, Brenda Russell, Rick Braun, Peter White and Oleta Adams.

East Coast visit and New dates

Here we go. California is officially open. Our collective health is looking up. A few GK shows are booked, with more to come. For now, I'm not rushing to do too much travelling, we'll see how it goes. I did take a short trip a couple of weeks ago to the east coast to visit friends and relatives. All went well, I avoided thunderstorms at the shore and had some great food.

(Bassist Jay Dulaney, Bill Fetterolf (former owner of Talbot St. Cafe and current owner of The Grove Market Restaurant), GK, Bob Yesbek (former owner of Omega Studios - exec. producer of Natural Bridge / Free Sample, 1980 unreleased project, AKA Rehoboth Foodie)

The first announcement is my GK Soul Jazz Party Hammond organ show this Monday June 21 at 6PM is moving to the indoor stage at Spaghettini, Seal Beach, CA for a unique evening featuring some new/old sounds based on the classic Hammond organ group format. Pat Kelley, Keith McKelly, Joel Taylor and I had a blast last time, stretching out on Soul/Jazz classics and some obscure, grooving Brazilian songs. Just announced, for my international and out of the area friends, we will also stream it live to the world. Here is the ​ticket ​link: https://howlive.tv/event/GreggKarukas.

Then, July 18, guitarist/producer Paul Brown and I bring the band to South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA for a co-bill show. July 31 my own show at The Flint Jazz Festival in Michigan w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Derren Blessman and Gary Johnson (tentative) Sept 25 - Las Vegas, NV - Gregg guests with Peter White at Santa Fe Station

More dates TBA,………2022……………

Feb 3-6, 2022 UK Pizza Express Soho - GK and Paul Brown May 3-8, 2022 Portugal - Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival

Serenata new solo piano CD - Spring 2021

Hi Friends, Happy New Year! Big news below……Here's my first newsletter in a while, better late than never. Let's resolve to stay safe and sane in the coming months.

I know it has been challenging for all of us.......I feel lucky so far, given my heart/stent issue in October that turned out to be addressed just in time. No other illness, and I remained isolated during the holidays and had my sons both do the same at their respective apartments in Bloomington, IN and Culver City. Like most, I had some down moments, a few welcome Zoom hangs, but I tried to find some gratitude every day for simple things like the great outdoors and practicing piano and Hammond organ.....I also spent many days scanning boxes of old photos. Still not half done. The best thing was re-watching The Office Marathon with a new appreciation for the many layers of writing, directing and editing that went into such a landmark TV show. Turning the page to 2021, I'm happy to announce my new project, that I hope will bring some peace and joy to all who are suffering during this challenging time.

By now, you know I don't "crank out" a new CD every 2 years, or whatever. I'm big on letting the inspiration come naturally, usually late in the evening, but....So many life changes over the last 6 years put my original music, and my relationship with the piano, in a holding pattern; but I had faith things would eventually evolve to find new melodies and sounds.....So, having had periods of being both "prolific", and "quiet", this moment seems to be worth celebrating with my friends. I got inspired a few months back to explore another new challenge - my first solo piano CD, "Serenata", (Piano Impressions of Milton Nacimento, Clube da Esquina and Dori Caymmi)". It's not jazz, new age or world, but hopefully crosses over to all. more below……..

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The Story: After my recent move, I discovered a dusty box of live cassette recordings of my shows in the 1990's with Brazilian artists Dori Caymmi and Ricardo Silveira (I recorded almost every gig I've done; still do) and was curious to check out one particular tape - with a star - marked "Dori - Le Cafe"!......Those shows at that tiny Los Angeles music room were legendary, with everyone from Michel LeGrand, Dave Grusin, Quincy Jones to Wayne Shorter in the audience. I played multiple keys, but Dori usually introduced me as: "My orchestra...". I had to buy a used cassette deck to play it, and it was one of our magical nights.....I sat down at the piano and recalled many of his lush, melodic songs as best as I could and got very emotional, especially since Yvonne and I got engaged while playing with Dori in San Diego, and I had also recently found the video of our wedding in 1992, with Dori singing "O Cantador" during the ceremony and everyone dancing to Kleber Jorge's Brazilian band.

Who are Dori Caymmi and Milton Nascimento, some may ask? For a quick comparison, I can only say they are as revered and integral to the musical history of Brazil as original artists like Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and The Beatles are to ours. English versions of Dori's "O Cantador/Like a Lover" and Milton's first hit, "Travessia/Bridges" have been recorded by everyone from Sarah Vaughn to Natalie Cole; Bjork to Tony Bennett.

Back in the mid '70's, I had already loved Wayne Shorter's "Native Dancer" LP, which featured Milton, Airto and other great Brazilians. I was lucky to become friends with the cook at the jazz club in DC who had lived in Brazil. (Mitch Rubin at Harold's Rogue and Jar) He let me borrow a stack of classic MPB LP's from Milton Nascimento, The Clube da Esquina group LP's, Edu Lobo, Joao Bosco, Chico Buarque, etc. I copied them all to cassettes - still have them, although I have since collected the LP's and CD's of every Milton album. Listening constantly on the way to gigs, the lush melodies and harmonies provided an escape; an antidote to the involved, dynamic jazz fusion that I was writing and playing during that period with Tim Eyermann and East Coast Offering and later, Natural Bridge. I would just let the romantic, wordless melodies, unknown Portuguese lyrics and acoustic textures wash over me, and I deliberately did not try to analyze or learn the songs at the piano......up until very recently, that is.

After finding that cassette, I kept recalling other great Brazilian songs that I had loved for decades, and, with the help of the internet, that pulled me out of my comfort/Covid zone and set me on a surprising new adventure. Can I really make an all solo piano CD? I never worked as a solo before, except for a couple of solo pieces on my 12 CD's. Reharmonize; change the rhythm; emulate Dori's guitar voicings? It has been a wonderful experience to relive the old feelings, and things kept going, and I ended up with too many songs.....I combined some of my original piano pieces with my "tribute" interpretations of the songs of Milton, Dori and their contemporaries. A few of the originals are late night, through-composed improvisations.

"Serenata" brings this musical "love affair" full circle, a crossover treat from the heart, for the heart. I humbly guarantee this music will lower the blood pressure of any human, relative to the stress of this past year.

Check out the previews on the Youtube link and feel free to share it with your friends on social media.....later on Spotify. You can pre-order your autographed CD now.

Fall 2019 Newsletter

Fall UK and East Coast Tour dates below

Fall UK and East Coast Tour dates below

Summer is over.....I know it has been a while. I thank you all for the nice messages and condolences over the last year and a half. Life has been happening........and I also moved - not too far away from my other house. Downsizing, since it is just me and the cat. That was a 2 month chore, with all the packing, purging and then unpacking and more purging....uncovering many nice memories, but bittersweet. Then weeks of painting and fixing up the "old" house. Now, I'm almost fully up and running with my new studio with a great sunset view of the Conejo Valley, and on a clear day I can see the top of the Channel Islands.

The latest news is that I'm coming back to London, UK and the East Coast in September-October for a bunch of my own shows. Please, no more hurricanes. This is not a typical bus tour......in fact, there is no bus. Only a bunch of flights and a rental car here and there. I can't believe there were flights available to allow me to jet up and over almost every day. I'll be hopping up and down the coast a bit and look forward to seeing old friends and fans again.

I've been doing a few GK shows this summer, and some fun guest spots with Peter White (Alaska) and Rick Braun (Lake Tahoe). It was cool to see Jessy J. and her sweet son in Detroit when we played on the same festival bill a couple of weeks ago. I remember us bringing Alex and Stevie along to some fun shows - at Maui Music Fest., Koz Cruise to Alaska, Dolphin Days in Kona and Catalina....Now, they are 25 and 21 and occasionally act as "Roadies" if I have a local show and they are in town and not too busy with their own lives.

I got to re-connect with the Legendary Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour when they played at Thornton Winery in Temecula. That venue sure has evolved over the decades since it was just a stage with chairs in the field. I played the first year with Ricardo Silveira.

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Anyone who remembers our DC band Natural Bridge, or my first LA group at Bon Appetit might recognize the guy below with the large tuna melt. Drummer Joe Dougherty came thru LA with The Grass Roots and I went to hang with him at The Canyon Club. The band sounded great, all those hits from the late '60's and early '70's. Sitting right next to me was a couple who saw my Ledo's Pizza hat and immediately knew I was from Maryland. We had a nice chat about the original Adelphi, MD restaurant.

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I recently spoke to Shelby Flint, and we talked about getting together soon on some music.......... which is a reminder that our "classic" acoustic jazz holiday CD, "Home for the Holidays" is now available with a special deal, since it is never too early to plan for all those last minute holiday gifts. Just order a bunch for $10 ea. If you need more or less, just send a message.

I still feel lucky to be out there playing my own music, so I'll see you out there soon, and I hope to have some new music out in the next year.

more below.........


2 women who are key in my life and art have passed away in the last year and a half.

Yvonne, of course, and just last month, my first girlfriend at age 16, Eileen (Overman) Carson Schatz.

Eileen is well known as the founder of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble in Maryland, and formerly of Fiddle Puppet Cloggers. Clogging and singing in schools, arts camps, Traditional music festivals and concert halls all over the world for the last 40 years. We only reconnected once, on a snowy afternoon before my Holiday Jazz show at Ram's Head in Annapolis, MD with Shelby. Even then, she was busy and had a performance the same night as mine. Here is a piece of the letter I sent to her after hearing of her cancer diagnosis.

"We started together learning Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell songs in your parent’s living room. We had lots of fun hanging out and traveling, and experienced our first Fiddlers Convention at Union Grove in 1972. Who knew that you would become the "Cloggerina General"? Well, obviously you knew right away, and never stopped.....

To see all that you have done, and all the young people you have inspired with your art and commitment to traditional music and dance just gives me goosebumps. I’m so proud of you for taking it to the people and eeking out a living while having so much fun. Every day, every smile, and in our case - every memory, is a gift. Thanks for that. I love you."

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Below is what's left of my silversmithing career. Sold a lot of it. Pulled these out of a box within a box while packing. Tarnished but intact. From age 16-22 I was jumping between keyboards and tools; saws, grinding and polishing wheels and torches. Thank you Eileen for driving me to the art supply store in Bethesda to buy new tools and silver whenever I got some money from a little gig. I would spend hours at a time working on forging silver and cutting stones in my garage with WHUR on the radio playing Stevie, EWF, Grover and the beginnings of Quiet Storm with Melvin Lindsey.

Word got around during high school - I also looked a bit like Ringo since I wore my work - and the running theme was: a girl would come up to me in the hall with a cool stone or shell she got at the beach that weekend or something and say, "Gregg, can you make a ring out of this"?......Sure I can.

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By the way, I was inspired by Ken Krausche, who had his own silversmithing booth in Ocean City, MD at Stone Free, the town's poster/headshop. He was also a cool jazz guitar player and when he invited me to his apartment with a Rhodes Suitcase to jam, that was another bonus crossover for a 17 year old kid. And we also hung with Bob Williamson, a really great guy, piano player who had a killer record collection and we'd listen to Keith Jarrett LP's (Expectations!) while he was working away at his leather shop on the boardwalk. I wonder where they are now....

I went to a bunch of craft fairs and festivals, sold a few things and had my work in a gift shop in Annapolis (Chan Chee). After a few years I had to make a choice. See, I was cutting myself and getting burns and callouses from handling the tools and torch, but I was also playing jazz/pop lounges 4-5 nights a week with East Coast Offering, jingles and writing songs too, so I eventually sold all my tools, stones and silver stock to another crafty person.

​​

Here's a Trip Advisor review of my last visit to Atlanta: “Jazz VIP Fun!!!!” Reviewed June 3, 2018 WoW! Flew to Atlanta to catch Jazz keyboardist Gregg Karukas at Suite Lounge & it was Fabulous!! VIP tickets included any entree, adult beverage, dessert, and the artist's CD. Efficient Valet parking was only $10, bring cash. Service, all food (except collards), venue, & seats were all exceptional!! The house Jazz band accompanying Gregg were phenomenal, they played like they were always together; very professionally talented musicians. Gregg played awesomely, this intimate experience exceeded our expectations and well worth the package value!! We'll be back for more fun times and food.


Fall Tour Dates

Sept 14 Seal Beach, CA Spaghettini 5:30 and 8pm shows

​Sept 19-21 ​London, ​UK Pizza Express Soho

Sept 26-27 - Philadelphia, PA South GK w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman Sept 28 Annapolis, MD ​ ​Ramshead On Stage​ ​ w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman ​

Oct 2 Boca Raton, FL ​ The ​Funky Biscuit

Oct 3 Atlanta, GA ​ ​Suite Lounge

Oct 4 Boston, MA ​ ​Scullers​ ​w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman ​

Oct 5 Durham, NC Vrroom VIP Jazz Fest.

Oct 6 - Richmond, VA The Tin Pan GK w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman

Oct 19 Avalon, CA ​ ​Jazztrax Catalina Festival **

Nov 30 San Diego, CA ​ ​Adam Hawley Christmas Benefit with GK, Jackiem Joyner and Erin Stevenson-Titus

​​**(Gregg guests with Rick Braun)

www.karukas.com (exclusive autographed CD's and other goodies) www.cdbaby.com i-Tunes

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Richmond, VA Tin Pan Oct 6

Richmond, VA Tin Pan Oct 6

Spring 2018 for Yvonne

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​​Dear Friends,

Where to start?.......I want everyone to know I am so grateful for the love, condolences and good thoughts from near and far, especially on Facebook where the hundreds of “love letters” to Yvonne will remain forever as a tribute to her bright, positive spirit. Our family really appreciates it and we are doing ok, considering.....

My beautiful wife and partner o​​f 31 years, Yvonne, passed away March 16, 2018 from complications of ​a brain tumor and pneumonia. This is not something that we planned for. Yvonne believed that she would beat it​.​ ​S​he fought hard​; we fought hard with a positive attitude​,​ and we did our best to enjoy every moment together these last 4 years, despite her worsening symptoms. We were all set to go to London for 4 nights at Pizza Express in March, and then on to Germany to visit her relatives, but had to cancel last minute..........

I am so lucky to have the support of our close friends and neighbors all through this time, and with our boys being 20 and 23, they seem to be handling it very well. In the last few days and weeks we have visited some of Yvonne's favorite places in nature to pay tribute to her and cry and smile.......and repeat. I spent 2 weeks “camping“ at the beach and ​joined ​some of our oldest ​couple/​friends​ on​ a trip we had planned months ago to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The fresh air really helps, and Yvonne's spirit is now settled in her new, permanent place, deep in all our hearts.

I have been getting back on my feet and am ready to play some music again. I am flying out today for 2 weeks of shows and visiting more old friends, so I hope to see you in the coming weeks and months. Since “Soul Secrets” came out in late 2014, that was also the start of Yvonne’s health problems, and I never could answer the question, “When are you coming out with a new CD?”, other than just to hold that thought and accept that the priority is on things other than music.

I trust that music can heal; music has given us a charmed life, so I’ll be “Looking Up”, taking it as it comes, and let’s see where the inspiration leads.

Please do me a favor and check out “Three Wishes, One Desire” with great lyrics and vocals by my buddy Ron Boustead, and “Healing Song”, featuring Kirk Whalum, and think of Yvonne.

Yvonne DiSimone Karukas June 11, 1963 - March 16, 2018

Yvonne DiSimone Karukas passed away peacefully March 16 after an 18-month, hard-fought battle against an inoperable brain stem tumor. She was 54 years old. She was surrounded throughout the day by the incredible love of her family and friends, playing music and singing. We will be forever grateful for that day and hold her beautiful, positive spirit deep in our hearts.

Yvonne grew up in Thousand Oaks, CA,​ and attended T.O. High. The eldest of three daughters of Robert and Rosemarie DiSimone, she was raised with music always playing in the house. Dad (Bob), was a busy weekend musician and Mom (Rosie), was a passionate arts lover, singer and dancer. Yvonne was a classical piano student of local instructor Rae Holcomb, and also taught piano in her late teens. She attended Moorpark College and Cal State University Northridge, where she earned her Masters’ Degree in Health Administration. While at CSUN, she met her husband, Smooth Jazz pianist Gregg Karukas, and they spent the next 31 years together. They raised two boys, Alex and Stevie; first in Granada Hills, then moving back to the Wildwood area of Thousand Oaks in 2007. Yvonne was an active volunteer for all the kids' school activities, especially the T.O. High School Bands. She also volunteered at Conejo Players Theater as house manager while son Alex lit up the stage.

Her career in health administration brought her to Las Encinas Hospital, St John's, and finally, to Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, where she handled all the claims after the Northridge earthquake.

Yvonne enjoyed hiking, camping and traveling the most. She went on many trips abroad with Gregg for his performances, to exotic places like Mallorca, Japan, the UK, The Dave Koz Cruises to Alaska, Spain, Italy, and to many shows in Hawaii.

Four years ago, before the brain tumor, she developed a painful rash that we learned was CTCL - Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma with Sezary Syndrome, a very rare form of skin cancer. Eventually, she found relief with a clinical trial drug from Japan. Four months later, she had dizzy spells and the brain stem tumor was discovered. While researching all about her brain tumor, even with her double vision, she was constantly posting on the private newsgroups and Facebook groups to support the CTCL sufferers and Glioblastoma (GBM) patients and caregivers seeking advice. Yvonne shared what she had learned and helped many others while battling her own new cancer … all by speaking/posting into her iPhone.

Yvonne is survived by her husband Gregg Karukas of Thousand Oaks; sons Alex Karukas of Glendale and Stevie Karukas of Bloomington, IN; father Robert DiSimone and sister Michelle DiSimone, both of Thousand Oaks; sister Renee Dugan and her husband Tim of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and the Dugan children, Bethany, Talia and David. She also leaves behind countless other relatives, friends and neighbors - all considered “family” in her journey.

Her good deeds and memory can be honored by making a donation to: CLF foundation https://www.clfoundation.org/giving-online

........I believe there is an undercurrent of love in all our relationships, whether we are just friends, co-workers, lovers or even just co-humans. Every song, every melody has an undercurrent of some kind of love or emotion: romantic......or funky love. We need to express it. We need to hear words and sounds of love, and now is the best time to show your love for someone close who needs it.

In tragic times like this we all have to cope with what life gives us, and hopefully you’ll get some relief from the sadness by expressing yourself. Thank you. Gregg

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​Finally, if you’ve read this far, this is personal, but it sums up Yvonne and what this experience has brought out in our family. This is an excerpt from my son Stevie’s post on his Facebook:

​"​...........In addition to the inspiration, education, and endless support my parents have shared, I have inherited my favorite thing about my mother: her often reserved, but always lighthearted and silly, manner. Even now in her frail condition I can tell that she remains the same on the inside; her inability to express this through speech is the most heartbreaking part of this process for me. As time inevitably proceeds forward, at the very least I can take pride in carrying bits of her personality everywhere I go. I attribute my best qualities to her; it is unfortunate that most of my friends (from school, etc.) will never meet the source of my personal inspiration--you would have loved her.

Whenever I would have people over at my parent's house, my mom would greet them with a big smile and hug them, and when they left she couldn't stop talking about how much she loved each one of my friends. I bring this up because I want these people to know what she felt for them. She was so happy to see my brother and I developing true friendships--and so much more open to sharing this love than I have ever been. Even when she was in excruciating pain for 2 years due to a rare type of lymphoma, she still had a positive outlook; never once did she turn her suffering outwards.

Because I have been (away) so involved in school, my parents thought that sugarcoating the bad news would be best for me, and I can't blame them for feeling this way...I appreciate my friends who have already reached out to me, though I am not looking for sympathy; this is about my mother, not me. I was considering keeping quiet on social media about this (as I tend to do), but I realized it would be hypocrisy to hide the truth from those of my Facebook friends who have had the fortune to meet her.

She will be home soon for hospice care, and my family will be doing our best to keep her comfortable and happy. Again, I appreciate the sympathy my friends have shown me, but what is important now is how my mother feels. If you would like me to relay a message to her, comment here or send her Facebook account (Yvonne DiSimone Karukas) a private message. We may be able to read them to her depending on how she is feeling.​"​

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with Jazzmine

Fall 2017 Newsletter

​Happy Fall! After a hot Summer, with some fun shows and trips in the rear view mirror, I'm looking forward to a cooler, but still busy, Fall season.

First, thanks to all who came out to my GK shows in Annapolis, Albuquerque, Honolulu, Seal Beach, Atlanta and Pensacola. As always, the "promoter people" were great hosts and the response made up for the crazy and sometimes hectic airline travel experience. I'm thankful that Southwest still has a nonstop from LA to BWI, so most of my East Coast shows can be routed from there. The band had some delays and terminal running in Atlanta and ended up missing a connection-thanks Delta...... Luckily, the show was the next day, so once their luggage arrived (late), all was good.

Coming up, I'll be in Norfolk, VA, Richmond and Philly this October. ​I'm returning to Richmond​ at The Tin Pan after a memorable show at the Richmond Jazz Fest in 2013. An hour before my showtime a massive thunderstorm hit and poured so hard, sending everyone running thru the flooded streets for cover. We waited in the van for a while, then went back to the hotel. After an hour of that, it cleared up, people drifted back to the park and we were able to play to a very damp, but happy crowd. Come to think of it, we had a similar, crazy thunderstorm in Norfolk with Jazz Attack in 2012. That time the show was cancelled by the city. I guarantee that these shows will go on, rain or shine.

They're indoors.

Back and forth a bit between shows with Peter White and Marc Antoine's "Guitar Tango"- including a return to Catalina Island Jazztrax for the 17th time.

Also, another great All​-​Star Festival in San Diego at Embarcadero Park Oct. 14. I'll be featured along with Paul Brown, Larry Carlton, Michael Paulo, Jessy J., Jazmine Ghent and DW3.

While back in town, we have spent lots of time at the beach whenever Yvonne has been feeling up to it. The great news is her brain tumor has not grown, and it even looks like it shrunk a little. Currently, I'm sitting poolside in Oakland with Yvonne while we play 3 nights at Yoshi's with Peter, Michael Paulo, Darryl Williams and Sergio Gonzales. Spectacular weather, and a nice waterfront area at Jack London Square. We will both be at Catalina Jazztrax for Oct. 21, going over early to hang with friends on their boat and condo. It will be nice to stay for a while and not have to rush to catch the late Catalina Express ​​boat back on the sometimes choppy seas.

​​ Looking forward to November​ 18​, I will be with Deniece Williams, Michael Paulo, Freddie Washington and Land Richards at The Westin in Palm Desert. I always love playing with Deniece, who recorded our song, "This is as Good as it Gets" (written with Ron Boustead) as the title track of her 1988 album.

Deniece, Shelby Flint, Brenda Russell, Melissa Manchester, ​Patti Austin, ​Marilyn Scott......some great female singer/songwriters I've had the good fortune to accompany. It reminds me of my ​motivation to ​migrate to ​California from Maryland in 1982, after years in the original Jazz/Fusion bands East Coast Offering and Natural Bridge. My goal was not to become a solo artist. It was to stretch out and be versatile enough to support as many different artists and styles as possible- instrumental, vocal, fusion, jazz, R&B,​Brazilian, whatever. As luck would have it (and thanks to Russell Ferrante's recommendation) on my 12th day in LA, I was playing at Donte's with some of the top players in town, reading the "book" (big stack of hand written, original charts in all those styles) of Shelby Flint. Being in Shelby's band for all those years, packing the best showcase clubs like At My Place led to just about every gig I've done since! And if you haven't heard Shelby's voice on our collaborations on my solo CDs, I urge you to check them out. ​

Speaking of Shelby, our acoustic jazz holiday CD, "Home for the Holidays" is now available with a special deal, since it is never too early to plan for ​all those last minute ​holiday gifts.

http://www.karukas.com/new-blog/2015/9/28/home-for-the-holidays-w-shelby-flint

Realizing it is the 30th anniversary of my first solo CD "The Nightowl", we've been talking about putting together a ​new CD ​collection of favorite songs from my older catalog for those who may have just discovered my music recently. Volume 1 will cover my first 5 CD's up to 1995's "You'll Know It's Me". These projects feature some very early recorded work of future stars Dave Koz, Boney James​, Richard Elliot, Everette Harp​ and Eric Marienthal. ​The real story is we all played in each others bands a lot​. Dave played in my band while he was still in college (before he joined Richard Marx and Jeff Lorber), and Richard Elliot had me playing in one of his first bands. Boney played in my band before he got signed to Warner Brothers, and I went on to tour with him for 4 years until 1999. So, we're not only celebrating the music, but also our decades long friendships.

We plan to remaster the tracks to get them sounding better than ever. And, we will fit as many songs as possible on one CD which will be available everywhere, but an enhanced, autographed package will be sold exclusively on my website​ and at shows​. I'd love to hear your suggestions of what may be YOUR favorite songs off of the titles "The Nightowl", "Key Witness", "Sound of Emotion", "Summerhouse" and "You'll Know It's Me". So, let us know and we'll try to narrow it down.

Oh yeah, happy 2nd birthday to Jazzmine the cat; and happy 20th to our son Stevie Oct 29.

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Oct 1 - Temecula, CA Thornton Winery (Gregg guests with Peter White and Marc Antoine)

Oct 7 - Norfolk, VA The Attucks Theater GK w/ Darian Emory, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman

Oct. 14 - San Diego, CA Jazz Diego with Paul Brown , Larry Carlton, Michael Paulo, Jessy j. and more Oct 21 - Catalina Island, CA Jazztrax Festival (Gregg guests with Peter White and Marc Antoine)

Oct 25 - Richmond, VA The Tin Pan GK w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman

Oct 26 - Philadelphia, PA South GK w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman

Oct 27 - TBA

Oct 28 - Philadelphia, PA South GK w/ Brad Collins, Scott Ambush (Spyro Gyra), Stanley Cooper and Deren Blessman

Nov 18 - Palm Desert, CA The Westin w/ Deniece Williams and Michael Paulo

Feel free to share this.

www.karukas.com (exclusive autographed CD's and other goodies) www.cdbaby.com i-Tunes Amazon

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Provided to YouTube by Sony Music Entertainment This Is As Good As It Gets · Deniece Williams / 丹妮絲威廉斯 As Good As It Gets ℗ 1988 Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment Released on: 2010-03-19 A& R Coordinator: Holmes Composer, Lyricist: G. Karukas Composer, Lyricist: R. Boustead Auto-generated by YouTube.

Rio Drive named #1 song of 2015!!

Wow, my song Rio Drive from Soul Secrets was named the #1 most played song of 2015 on Alan Kepler's Smooth Jazz Top 20! (#2 on Billboard's 2015 airplay chart). This has been quite a year - first: Elegant Nights #1, and now Rio Drive. I'm so thankful for the response, especially after 4+ years between solo releases.

The best part of this milestone in my 28 year journey as a solo artist is being able to see that the priorities I've chosen: Music (original, no covers), Relationships (over money), Entrepreneurship (maintaining ownership) have stayed the same. And I'm lucky to have such long term relationships with people who share the same goals. If you look at the credits on my CD's, or my tour history, you will see many of the same people over decades. They are all great artists in their own right, and most of them are on this chart too.

So, I'd like to thank all the radio programmers, my fans, and give a big shout out to my friends, bandmates and collaborators. Ron Boustead, Shelby Flint, Ricardo Silveira , Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, Eric Baines, Eric Valentine, Michael Paulo, Michael O'Neill, Peter White, Rick Braun, Nathaniel Phillips, Ernest Tibbs, John Lewis, Jay Dulaney, Brad Roxanne Collins, Gary Meek, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Melissa Manchester, Lee Thornburg, Jerry Peterson, Jeffrey Pescetto, Craig Safan, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Al Evers, Tim Eyermann, Bud Harner, Adam Hawley, James Harrah, Euge Groove, Vincent Ingala, Charlie Bisharat, Luis Conte, Dave Hooper, Pat Kelley, Lon Price, Lee Ritenour, Brenda Russell, Dori Caymmi, Sergio Mendes, Jeff Kashiwa, Sergio Gonzalez, Paul Brown, Joel Taylor, John Leftwich, Steve Samuel, Bruce Atkinson, Donnell Spencer Jr, Dwayne Smitty Smith, Jacques Voyemant, Steven Madaio, Jessy J., Joe Dougherty, Gary Grainger, Gary Grainger, Melvin Lee Davis, Oscar Seaton, Thom Rotella, Jervonny Collier, Andy Suzuki, Richard Elliot, Ramon Stagnaro.