Hi Gregg, Just thinking of you and email me if you get to Florida. Love, Via
Gregg, you are LONG overdue for new music. When will we hear from you?
Hi Gregg! Time to check your MySpace page. I've requested to be added as a Friend, please. I have pictures of you with Rick Braun at Rodney Strong winery posted on MySpace page that I'd like to tag for you. Looking forward to a new CD soon and hope you make it up to SF Bay Area! Marie
I love your music and your cds are the first ones that i actually just let them play and do not have to skip through the songs to find the ones i like. If you ever get to Naples Florida look me up i'll buy dinner. Also, good luck with your dad and dialysis. My dad was on that for 4 years. Give him alot of love!
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Hi Greg, I'm happy that you have been so successful in your career. You have a great natural talent. I used to see you w/ Natural Bridge in DC. Those were the good old days for sure. Also, I was the guy who bought your old mini-moog when you lived in bowie. You also did a few tune-ups on my old rhodes. Boy things have changed since then! Updated the cards on the mini and later traded it in at Levins for a few hundred dollars! Silly me! I stopped playing music and went to school for 12 more years and became a facial plastic surgeon, so I guess I still use my "hands". Miss the music days, but I re-live them with your music. Keep up the good work and God Bless! Sincerely, Jim C
Gregg, Man! You are my inspiration. Your music has brought so much joy to my world and I just want to thank you. I really just became aware of your music with "Night Shift" and that was the turning point. I've since reached back to enjoy your earlier recordings and now with your new album I'm having so much fun just kick'n back and enjoying. "Girl in Red Dress" just blows me away! As soon as I heard it I say to myself that sounds like my favorite chords, F minor 7, G minor 7. It blew me away when I started trying to learn as much of the song as I could that I was right! Yea!! Gregg, continued success and keep on with the best music I've heard in a long time. You are my favorite man. Peace my Brother, Your fan - Herb
Thanks Herb , you made my day... Happy Thanksgiving, gk
Gregg: I recently had the pleasure of seeing you for the first time at the Mable House Amphitheater in Atlanta. You are amazing and talented artist. I've followed your work for quite some time. Keep cranking out the jams. I went to the concert alone and sat next to two couples who said "I've never heard of Gregg Karukas". My response was, "he's the only reason I came to the concert". Your the man!!! I'm looking forward to you returning to Atlanta.
Hi Gregg Hows everything? Just wanted to say HI old friend. Love all your tunes! Looking forward to getting your new CD. Any chance you will be playing the northeast this coming year? Please let me know. Or hope to see you again at the next Bowie High reunion. Take care Kenny Wagner
Hi Gregg. I am a big fan of yours. Your piano/keyboard playing is so melodic and smooth. Keep up the good work!! Kevin
Hi Gregg, I really love your latest CD, Looking Up. The songs get better with each spin. I've got an autographed copy of sheet music of "Nightshift" framed by my computer, which is one of my favorites of yours. I've introduced your music to friends and family, who all love the lush and mellow sound you create. I'll be vacationing in Santa Cruz next month, and like last time, I'll have your CDs playing in the car as I cruise down Pac Coast Highway by Carmel and Big Sur...life doesn't get any better!! Thank you so much for the great music and the joy that it brings me. Keith Souderton, PA
Hi Gregg: It was an honor meeting you at Rodney Strong Vineyards. I really enjoy the CD very much. You're playing is fresh and unique, and each CD is "musical art projects". Keep up the great work. Frank Horne
this site is beautiful..well done..a great site for a great composer.I've been checking "looking up" and I red the reviews, there's nothing else to add, it's wonderful. I'm a piano bar player, and you've been such a inspiration...keep up
I met Gregg maybe 5 or 6 yrs ago in Philadelphia,Pa at a Jazz Concert sponsored by WWJJZ Smooth Jazz Radio Station 106.1 FM He autographed a WWJJZ T-Shirt for me along with Boney James in addition to his brand new CD BLUE TOUCH I never wore the T-Shirt still have it in my drawer and I listen to the CD as much as possible.Thank You Gregg Karukas
dear Gregg; Love your style and your music is good medicine for me .I have three of your cds. Will you ever come to the Youngstown , Ohio area. luv yourfan phyllis
I was extremely fortunate to have been at the River Raisin Park last saturday evening and enjoyed the thrill of my life by having the opportunity to see and meet, personally, Mr Gregg Karukas, the penultimate smooth (great) jazz musician and composer and arranger; I was almost emotional knowing that many people are fortunate to have a particular person that they really appreciate and admire but few have the opportunity to truly meet them; and I did. Gregg is everything in a person of great and humble behavior that I have ever met. My thanks and appreciation for having the outstanding opportunity to have witnessed an event of extraordinary talent: Oh yes, the very talented Rick Braun was also there! donald
Hi Gregg, Just recently discovered your music while browsing the "Trippin Rhythm" website, so I bought your c.d. "Looking Up" and all I can say is "WoW" and "WoW" again! - Have hardly stopped playing it in weeks - never get tired of listening to it. I had to get onto your website and find out more about you and the musicians you play with. (Incidentally, your website is great - easy to navigate and informative). My favourite tracks are "Isabella" "First Flight Home" and probably (it's so hard to pick favourites from this album)"Girl in the Red Dress". "Isabella" is probably the most beautiful piece of music I have heard in a very long time - I love it - keep making more super smooth and sexy songs like that one!! Unfortunately, I won't be able to see you perform live as I live in Alberta (do you ever get up this far?) - but I shall certainly be buying the rest of your c.d's to date and future ones that you make also - if they are even half as good as "Looking Up" - they will be a must have to my collection. One personal question - Do you teach your children to play the piano? - My 12 year old son is taking his grade 4 piano exam and although he is quite capable, I wish I could play myself, so I could help him when he is having difficulty. If you do teach your kids, do you find that they do better or learn better from having a talented and experienced parent? Thank you for the great music Gregg! Tina (Alberta, Canada)
Peggy Campbell
I am THRILLED with your participation on the Rippingtons #20 ... especially because I THOUGHT it sounded like your playing, then I read the liner notes and discovered it WAS! YAHOO!
And, SO excited you have a date at Cerritos -- bought tickets as soon as that was announced!
AND ... hoping, hoping maybe you will be at the Newport Hyatt with someone :-) -- Rick Braun or Richard Elliot, or Rippingtons?! It was such a delight to hear you in person, serendipitously, there last year.
I have loved Russ Freeman's music since pre-Rippingtons ... still do. But, shhhh, don't tell -- I think your "Looking Up" CD is just the best ... it has helped me literally look up this past year, suddenly without my beloved after 34 years of marriage.
So, Gregg Karukas, THANK YOU! You keep my heart lightened ... I am very, very grateful!
MBalooToo@aol.com
Hey Gregg!!
It's been some time that I've seen or talked with you ( been to "ALL" the Rippingtons tours --and some back stage )but I was wondering who is playing drums/ percussion and bass guitar on your cd "Looking Up?" Maybe a machines!!!! I will be at both The Rippingtons shows in Austin, Texas this coming Friday ( 8-11-06 ). On the song "Rainbow" you play this choppy cuts then straight playing...cool! On the song "A Kiss Under The Moonlight" the piano is soft & pretty here. I always wanted Russ to let you play more lead parts with The Rippingtons because I was afraid you would leave the group someday. Fat chance that you'll be play there ( Austin ).... Anyway, I sure would like to see your band here in San Antonio, Texas...
Thanks, Kenny
San Antonio, Texas
Hi Kenny, Yes, that's me on percussion/drums, bass, etc. GK
Gregg, Heard you at Winter Park Jazz Festival and later that night for the benefit concert with Denver's own "Pockit". Just wanted to say THANK YOU for another great show, and also for supporting "Elijah's Rainbow". The show was off the hook! Best regards, Wendy Hopkins
I've been a fan of yours since 1999 when I first heard "Always." You've always put out GOOD CD's, but "Looking Up" is just - beautiful! Corner Club/Clube De Esquina and Isabella make you just want to cry. Uh-hmm, keep doing what ya doing man!
Gregg, I am a huge fan of all of your songs! It's the perfect accompaniment to the ocean when I'm at the beach or driving when I'm on my way there! Thanks for making my birthday special last September at the Steakhouse in Rehoboth! 'Hope to see you soon... Loyal Fan #1, Freddi Vaughn
Saw your concert last week at Blues Alley. It was one of the best I have attended. The music was great, the additional horn section from PA added to the richness of the sound. The crowd went crazy and it was a Monday night! This was the first time I have seen you live but not the last one. Thanks for a great evening!
greg i am a big fan of yours-have all your cd's and have been to a dozen of your shows. i was at the 7/6 show in reading pa and thought you guys were great! you and i had a conversation on the streets of rehoboth beach about 5 years ago and while you may not rememeber i thought it was cool when you said to me oh your in town to see joe sample and i said no i came to see you. may i be so bold to say john grant does not fit. i know you said it was his 1st night but really you had to see the lack of enthusiasm and frankly i didn't think his performance measured up to the rest of the band. you on the other hand --- fabulous. thanks for a great show. oh and by the way looking up is your best work-- i love it bob
I like "Girl in the Red Dress". (Is there any significance to the title?) It seems to be a groove using L.H. of F min7 to G min9 over which R.H. improvises with the flavor of an F minor pentatonic or perhaps F Dorian. I heard you in Henderson, Nevada, July 4, 2006 in Anthem Park. In addition to "Girl in the Red Dress", your last selection, "I Meant What I Said" , in some parts borders on straight-ahead-jazz, which very much appreciate. Joe, future jazz pianist Joe, future jazz pianist
hello to all jazzminded cats in holland
Hi Gregg, I heard and met you at the KSBR Bash in San Juan Capistrano in 2005 although I have been collecting your CDs for some years. Your music is great and it was a pleasure to meet you. Maybe you will be at another KSBR bash in the future, I intend to make the trip from Australia each year. It would be good if maybe you and some other smooth jazz players would consider an "All Star Band" visit to Sydney. I am sure you would enjoy it and we certainly would as smooth jazz performed live is pretty sparse on this side of the pond. Regards Andrew Milligan
Hi Gregg, I heard and met you at the KSBR Bash in San Juan Capistrano in 2005 although I have been collecting your CDs for some years. Your music is great and it was a pleasure to meet you. Maybe you will be at another KSBR bash in the future, I intend to make the trip from Australia each year. It would be good if maybe you and some other smooth jazz players would consider an "All Star Band" visit to Sydney. I am sure you would enjoy it and we certainly would as smooth jazz performed live is pretty sparse on this side of the pond. Regards Andrew Milligan
Sue from Reading here and I am so jealous that you will be playing there and I am stuck here in CA. Hell! I can't even coordinate to see you HERE!!!!!!!!! All the best and have a great show.
Wow! Your music is fantastic. I heard Nightshift on the radio on my "stressed out" way home and was hooked within a few bars. I rushed home and rang the station to find out who it was. Ive never been one for Jazz, except Miles Davis, but your style just has me hanging out for more. Keep up the great work - Im going to stock my shelves with your CD's. Cheers, Darren (Canberra, Australia)
Hi Gregg, Just checking in when you're coming to Maryland. I'm heading to my folks house from the 1st to the 4th or 5th but plans can change. See you. nancte
Aloha, again...by the way...I see that Michael O'Neill is also in your regular band. I met Michael on a show with David Garfield, David Inamine, Garin Poliahu, David Choy and Pauline Wilson at the Hilton Waikoloa Village a few years back. Please give my regards to Michael next time you see him. I'm also in regular contact with David Garfield and Pauline Wilson. I am always interested in seeing who's coming through Hawaii to see if I can book the act in a club or special show in Hawaii. Hawaii yearns for smooth jazz! Stay in touch...here's my contact info: Craig -937-****
Aloha, Greg...pleasure meeting you, Yvonne and the family at Hapuna Beach yesterday. Having you on the Big Island for the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival during Dolphin Days was a treat! I wish you the best of continued success in your music endeavor and look forward to hearing your music on the air waves...unfortunately, Hawaii is at a lack of smooth jazz stations so I appreciate your new CD "Looking Up" as well. Wishing you well...aloha pumehana!
I heard you music for the first time when I went to look up the Jazz Fest for St. Mary's. I love your style. I am trying to get tickets for the event. Tracy
Hey Gregg Since my short trip from Switzerland to Chicago (i think it was the year 1992 or 1993), (i saw you in Jazz Oasis) you became a great fan more from your fantastic music. Thanks Konrad Müller
I AM A GREAT FAN OF YOURS AND WAS HOPING THAT WHEN YOU ARE TOURING, WOULD YOU PLEASE CONSIDER STOPPING IN MEMPHIS, TN. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AND HEAR YOU PLAY. sHEILA
Just wanted to let you know how great your new web sight is!( Almost at great as the music) Thanks for sharing your talents with us! Eva
Gregg Karukas, one of my favorite keyboardest, if not my favorite.........keep on keepin' on..........
Hi Gregg - it is so wonderful to hear your music daily on Smooth Jazz 101.9 FM radio in Tri-Cities Washington. Now that I'm 65 my memory is starting to fade and I often forget things, but! I very clearly remember the first time I saw and heard Gregg Karukas perform at Bowie High school in Bowie, Maryland when he was about 16 or 17 and I was 31.
I was so impressed with Gregg's talent that I immediately made plans to get to know him better and requested he work with me on some songs I was writing in my home rustic egg carton two track garage studio on an old red upright piano. I clearly remember Gregg at the old red piano and me next to him with my old acoustic Gibson guitar and Gregg anticipating my musical thoughts before any word was spoken. What wonderful moments those were to work with such a talent. Gregg was so exceptionally talented and versatile with his ability to approach any musical style and create amazing keyboard original music and performances with no second takes needed. Gregg generously continued his creativity by doing keyboards for me on a number of original songs I was producing demos of back in the 70’s which we recorded at Track Recorders (a professional 16 track studio I was also working part-time at in Silver Springs, Maryland).
I was also blessed to get the opportunity to see Gregg perform in his early years with the East Coast Offering jazz group he was a member of in the DC area. I still have some of his original work recorded for both me and East Coast Offering.
I am so happy that Gregg has continued all these years with his musical career. Gregg is truly one of the most creative musicians, keyboard players, and outstanding persons I ever worked with over my long musical lifetime (which started way back in 1959 with my first public performance).
Gregg my Very Best Regards and Thank You for Your Outstanding Creative Support to me back in the 70's. Please continue to create your exceptional smooth jazz material so others can enjoy your talent far into the future. Bob Conner, Richland, Washington
Gregg, I love your song titled, "Show Me The Way". I've been hearing it on the 105.9 (Smooth Jazz) radio station in DC-Metro/Maryland area. Have you ever hooked up with Marcus Johnson? I like what you and Marcus are doing in jazz music.
Attended concert in Birmingham...enjoyed it very much....also attended Jazz festival in Destin Florida...was excited to see Greg performing with Rick Braun....I enjoyed this so much.
Gregg, I wrote you back in November '05 to say thanks and congrats for your wonderful new CD/album, Looking Up. Just purchased my second CD of yours, Night Shift from 2000, and am listening through it for the 2nd time as I write this. It is a beautiful CD too....I tend to favor progressive Jazz music with funky Jazz-Rock fusion sounds, so my favorite track on Night Shift is Small World (track 10); but the smoother stuff is also nice. The only negative thing I would say about Night Shift is, for my tastes, it uses too much programmed percussion (living drummers are so much better sounding); but that seems to be the trend in Jazz over the last 10-20 years. Thanx again for your good music and for taking the time to/effort to get in the studio and record it so all of us can enjoy it. I know you have many more albums; I will have to work my way through them as time & budget allows. Bill Smothers Delaware
You are my favorite keyboard player in jazz today. Met you at the Jazz company in Pleasure Island and saw you at . Saw you at Altamonte Springs at Cranes Roost.
I just saw Mr. Karukas perform in Orlando Florida at an outdoor concert. Though the crowd was very laid back, myself as well as others, were totally blown away by his performance. Speaking of blown away, we thought Mr. Karukas and the band were going to be taken away by the wind, LOL. But let me just say as a true fan, you blessed my soul and uplifted my spirit with your music and talent. I've been a fan since Severna Park and I wait patiently for each new release. Thank you for your dedication to your gift it does play out in your music. Blessing from on High and may you continue to give joy to many. Agnes Mitchell
HELLO GREG, RICK C HERE. I HAVE WAITED FOR YOUR RETURN TO THE MILE HIGH CITY A.K.A (DENVER). FOR A LONG TIME! YOU WERE LAST HERE WITH ERIC MARIENTHAL AT THE JAZZ CASINO IN FIVE POINTS. I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR SHOW AT JAZZ@JACKS. I KNOW STEVE&DAVE WATTS OF DOTSERO FOR A LONG TIME. I HOPE YOU WILL AUTOGRAPH YOUR NEW CD FOR ME. SEE YOU AT THE SHOW. YOUR NO1 FAN IN DENVER RICK C!!!!!!!!
Grover's Reed Seed, Michael Pedicin Jr., John Coltrane Lonnie's Lament, Kenny Garrett and Pat Metheny's Lonnie's Lament, My brother and I brought, Looking Up and Nightshift, we saw you at Jazz @ Jacks. It was like a breathe of fresh air. Please don't be a stranger. You put out so many great cuts I really can't say I have a favorite. It was our pleasure thanks again.
Gregg, I plan to come see you play when you are at Blues Alley in D.C. in July, and am looking forward to it. I have just two questions at this point: (1) any chance that I could speak with you about my son Andrew DeCaro when you are in town, as he is finishing up his degree in jazz guitar performance at Cal State Northridge, and would love to meet you either here on the east coast, or somewhere on the west coast as he currently works as a booking agent at the Viper Room, and also plays music there on a weekly basis with different bands that he is involved with; and (2) as I know that you are a native of Maryland, having grown up in the Bowie area with my good friend, John Beamer, I was wondering if you had any interest in booking a show at the Rams Head in Annapolis when you are in town. Let me know. Thanks, Jeff
Hello from Caracas Venezuela Im a great fan of Greg since I bought my first cd Blue touch, Ive got all the CDs after that and i think every one of them is better and better. Jorge Palacios.
Dear Mr. Karukas, I am currently deployed to Afghanistan with my battalion, consisting of Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines. Many of my troops and I are great fans of yours and avid smooth jazz listeners. However, we find it extremely difficult to get smooth jazz CDs/DVDs here in such a remote and austere environment. I would like to know if you or anyone you know would be willing to donate a few CDs/DVDs to us during our deployment here in Afghanistan. Such a gift would greatly enhance my troops’ morale and give them a reminder of the good life that they all enjoyed back at home. We would greatly appreciate anything you could send to make this deployment better. You may send any items to the following address and I will ensure they are equally shared and distributed: Corey Woodard JLC-MCB APO AE 09354 Thanks in advance. Corey and Troops
Edwina Goody
Hi Gregg. One of my wonderful friends recommended www.softjazz.co.uk to me because I am a total Peter White fan. So, I tuned in and discovered......YOU! What a fabulous sound you have - a real feast for the senses - I love it! I ordered Looking Up from Amazon UK, and after waiting nearly 4 weeks for the CD to arrive, it finally came in the post today, so I am playing it now (at 3am!) and
chillin' out after a hard days night - just amazing! Well done on producing a real gem of a CD - I will keep listening, and I guess I will now start building up a collection of Gregg Karukas CD's to fill the nice new CD rack I have also just purchased! Peter & Gregg - my two favourite music men! Thank you xxxxxx
Doug Holton
Greg your concert last evening (Melboourne FL) was great! While listening to our music is very entertaining getting to watch you perform live in a setting like that takes it to a whole new level.
Now whom ever provided the sound equipment needs to be shot - - but that's a different story.
GREAT SHOW! But beware the drummer - - that kid is going places!!
Cathy Proper
I had the pleasure of attending your concert at the Crowne Plaza, Indialantic, FL, 3/26/06, part of the Brevard Jazz Series, and it was absolutely wonderful! Thank you for a show that was so charged with energy and wonderful music. It was great!
John Walker
Hello Greg;
My wife and I were at your concert last night in Birmingham, AL and we thought that you played exceptional well. I first would like to congradulate you on an
illustrious career!!! Do you really read and respond to you fans email? I ask this because I wonder if I am really talking to you. If so I am the guy who was sitting directly in the front row of the stage between the 2 beautiful black women. What is the
instrument called that you were playing on the floor? We have all of your music and we listened to it all the way from ATL. to Birmingham, AL. I said if you ever come to ATL. I would surely see you but the closest you came was to Birmingham. We were wondering with such a large Jazz Music Base in Atlanta why don't you come here. Trust me, you will sell out!!! Your friends Boney, Brian C., Dave Koz, and all of the rest come to ATL. Annually. Well I know that you are a busy man so keep up the good work. Now I know the who is making all of this good music. I also noticed that your band members were all reading sheet music and you were not or it appeared as though you weren't. Is that because you wrote what they were playing and you simply remember it or... I'm impressed. Please write back.
Thanks,
John
Bill Reid
Dear Gregg,
I really enjoyed your show in Birmingham Saturday. Wow! What a great show. It was an honor and a priviledge to be in the audience. I think your music is the essence of contemorary/smooth jazz. My wife and I look forward to seeing you with Rick Braun at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in four weeks. Please have a safe trip while touring and God bless. I am
Bill Reid
Gary Yamaguchi
Please send the autographed MUSIC SCORE/LEAD SHEET! Anyway, your music/vibe continues to be reliably awesome as I have added "Looking Up" to my collection (I own Key Witness, Sound of Emotion, Summerhouse, and Night Shift). I'll pick up Heatwave soon. What really blows me away is your recording quality on the grand. It's rich, fat, warm, and very alive. I literally "feel" the hammers strike in the string cavity of your piano.
John Anderson
Gregg
I caught the interview with Ann and John on WyJZ the other morning. Like I told them, I felt it was a great interview. Part of what made it so nice (in my opinion) was that you spoke frankly about some of the realities of the business -- there are only so many that have the top hits, and others need to pay the bills in other ways. By the way, I happen to enjoy your newest CD (even if you say your not making much on it, it has plenty of variety, lot's of talent, nicely balance, and nice to listen to).
It seems like yesturday when the "Midnight Raiders" were trying to figure out which end was up on the Ogle stage.
I wonder if there is possiblity for interested parties to try to get something together for our next '73 reunion or something.
For me, music-wise, I plan to continue to direct the Lilly corporation's "Friends of Friends" house band with our combination of Jazz, R&B (slippy slidy), Brazilian, pop combinaiton of insturmentals and vocals. We moved to a different part of town, so I will soon be involved with a different chuch as a bass player, and playings standalone instrumental guitar at local hotels and restaurants up here.
Again, it was refreshing to here a good interview like the one Ann and John did with you.
John A.
P.S. From the pictures on your site, your kids look like they are bundles of energy. Enjoy them. They grow up so quickly. I gave away my daughter to a nice fellow over a year ago. And my son John out in SanDiego on his own now for over 6 years.
God Bless
CHARLES WATSON
T4: BROOKLYN NY
I DISCOVERED "SUMMER HOUSE" TRACK "FIRST LOVE" WHILE LISTENING TO CD 101.9 IN NY A FEW YEARS AGO, AND IT EXPRESSED THE I THINK PIANO SMOOTH JAZZ SHOULD BE PLAYED. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SOUND, IT'S AS YOU SAT YOU'LL KNOW IT'S ME!" I'VE COLLECTED ALL YOUR CD'S EXCEPT "NIGHT OWL" AND I'M GOING AFTER THAT ONE NOW. THE LINER NOTES ON SUMMER HOUSE ARE REALLY THOUGHTFUL. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ALL THE MUSIC BECAUSE IT'S REALLY SPECIAL, YOU CAN LISTEN TO IT FIT THE SPECIAL UP AND DOWN MOODS OR JUST DANCE TO IT. I THANK FOR BEING THE KIND OF PERSON WITH A REALLY GREAT TALENT FOR THE PIANO AND OTHER ARTISTS YOU BRING TOGETHER ON YOUR CD'S. PLEASE BRING SHELBY FLINT AND RON BOUSTED BACK FROM TIME TO TIME IF POSSIBLE, THEY'RE PART OF THE "KARUKAS SOUND". BY THE WAY YOUR LATEST CD "LOOKING UP" IS OUT OF SIGHT, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. CHARLES
Rusty O
Gregg's show in DC on Dec 1st was absolutely fantastic, and Looking Up is one of the best CD's I've heard in a long time (London Underground and Lost in Negril !!!) ... Gregg was also great on the All Star Jazz Cruise but he needs to be a headliner on Brian Culbertson's All StarvCruise in Jan 2007 ... I have recommended this to the cruise promoters. Would love to hear he's coming to East Coast again soon. Thanks for the great website.
Eric Klose
Gregg, I have emailed you in the past about how blown away I was when I first heard your music. I was in the Jazz music room at Circles in Phoenix going through the stacks when "Riverside Drive" came on the stereo. That stopped me dead in my tracks. I am totally hooked. I just purchased "Looking Up" my 3rd GK cd. When I play "London Underground" I have to remain seated. For me...that tune should have a warning label to "Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until this cd has come to a complete and final stop." Totally love it! Llove the mixing, and your choices of featured artists. A little more Rick Braun would have been nice. Enjoyed all the reviews too. Let me know what I can do to further the cause regarding the "shakedown" in the industry.
Mary Beth
Gregg, Freddie & I came to your performance at the Smooth Jazz afterwork party on 12/1 - You have developed into a tremendous performer! It was an awsome performance! and the other musicians in your group were outstanding as well! What a wonderful collection of talent you've assembled! It was worth the effort to come to see you. I stood in line for a while to say hello, but it got too long. I came up afterwards & said hello & that it was nice to see you, but it didn't seem like you remembered who I was. That's OK. Was glad to purchase your latest CD there. John is now actively performing on a regular basis in Indianapolis. Seems to have a following & is now ready to make demo CD. He sounds awsome! I know you would appreciate the depth he has. Anyways, hope you & your family have a great holiday. So glad you made the trip out!
Bill S
I just purchased your "Looking Up" CD and was so impressed/overwhelmed that I had to look you up on-line and to say thanx and congrats. Every track/tune is wonderful. I usually prefer guitar based jazz (Eric Gale, Lary Carlton, Russ Freeman, etc) but this new release of yours will get a LOT of playing time at my home and in my office. You just moved into first place ahead of Bob James on my list of favorite keyboard artists.
Bill S
Mark R
Every CD by you and your musical frinds, White, Braun, Boney, etc. seems better that the last. Once again I am impressed by the clean lines and absolute synergy of the music on this CD. You are absolutely my favorite jazz pianinst (sp?). Not sure if this is the place, but if you would send an autographed photo from the LOOKING UP project as stated above, it would be appreciated. Keep up the passion and dedication.
Bob S
Gregg,
You're one of the few artists whose CD's I will purchase without sampling the tunes first. As usual "Looking Up" doesn't disappoint - Excellent from beginning to end! - will post a review on Amazon. Any chance you'll be touring the east coast in the near future (Washington, DC area in particular)?
Thanks. BobHi, Gregg
Your performance was fantastic at the Jazztrax Festival in Catalina. Your presence on stage was captivating and exhilarating. The love and enthusiasm you have for music and the audience radiates like a growing rainbow, spreading joy and cheerfulness. Keep on spreading the joy.
Thanks, Dino
Hey Friend ! (and I say that with great respect)
A few years ago, my brother asked me if had ever heard of a Gregg Karukas. I said, "Who?"
Well, I've been on your trail ever since: five of your CD's, Caymmi, Kelly, Bromberg, Sheeran, and on and on. Which brings me to your "Night Owl" album. Can't find it anywhere. Got any suggestions?
I'm really looking forward to your new one, Nightshift. Didn't know about it till today. That's what happens when you live at the foot of a volcano. I'm in the boonies now, surounded by rice fields. But I'd make the 5 hour trip to Tokyo to see you live, and so would my wife and son (new fans). Any plans for a trip to Japan?
All the best to you and your family. And thanks for those "sounds of emotion."
Bill G.
I have just recently become aware of you and your outstanding talent. I just happened to stumble across "Blue Touch" in the store about eight months ago and thought I would give it a try. It sounded like something I would like. Well, I was totaly blown away!! I played it over and over and still fnd it one of my most played CD’s. I am a Big, big Bob James, Fourplay and Ramsey Lewis fan. and have always them at the top of my list of Jazz artist. You, Gregg are now amoung that elite group in my Jazz collection.
I was very happy to see Nightshift in the the stores last month because I new more wonderful smooth Jazz was about to hit my collection. I have not been disapointed, Nigtshift is Great. I have also turn several of my friends on to you and your music.
Last week I founf the CD, "Sound of Emotion" on the internet and have ordered it. I am looking forword to getting it for even more enjoyment.
Do you have more CD’s and if so where can I get a hold of them? Keep up the good work It is truly refeshing.
Continued success to you
A new Fan
John A. Madison III
Dear Gregg, I became aware of your work shortly after ‘Blue Touch’ was released in the U.K. It got a lot of airplay on Jazzfm and won you a lot of new fans in this country. Personally, after hearing ‘Azure dreaming’, I was hooked. The more I listened to the album the more rewarding and uplifting it became.In fact, I bought two copies, one for the car, one for listening to in the house. I then searched for your previous releases and discovered they all possesed that marvellous combination of composition and musicianship. Since then I have patiently waited for the release of Nightshift. It took over three weeks to come over from the states and since it arrived I have played it night and day. I was concerned that the demise of IE might have had a detrimental effect on your latest work, I needn’t have worried. Nightshift is BRILLIANT. It starts where Blue touch ended. It has some very accessible tracks(Chasing the wind, Nightshift) that will get a lot of airplay and catch the!
ears of new fans and more challenging compositions (speakeasy,my favourite season ,Stevie wonderful,Rocky peak,etc.)that will reward dedicated Karukas followers. I think that Jonathon butler’s ‘breathy’ vocal on ‘Time could pass’ is going to get a lot of airplay. After the last two weeks of listening, Night shift is even better than Blue touch, in my opinion. Until recently I thought Blue touch was the finest contemporary jazz album in my entire collection which began in the early seventies via Grover washington and Bob James. Nightshift is the ALBUM of the year and I am ensuring everyone who crosses my path hears about it.
I hope I may get the chance to hear you play live in England some time in the future. I hope to write to you again soon and let you know which are my own personal favouite Gregg Karukas compositions . In the meantime, best wishes to you and your family, wishing you every success with Night shift, on behalf on of your fans in England
Vincent
Dear Gregg,
I am a devoted fan and love all your cd’s, but NightShift is FANTASTIC. I work at home on the internet, and play it thru my headphones. I keep thinking I’ll get tired of hearing the songs, but I love hearing them over and over. I’m generally not a "vocals" fan, but Jonathan Butler could win me over.
I do want to tell you that though I loved your picture it took too long to download and I have a dsl line. Just thought you’d want to know. I’ve lived in Maryland for many years now, but was born in West Virginia and would love to know your connection there. Thanks for adding joy to my day! Betty Daugherty
I love your music I’m a huge fan. My favorite cd of yours is Blue Touch. For the last 2 years I have listened to this cd over and over and never got tired of it. Its one of my favorite jazz CD’s to relax to, I play it almost every night to go to sleep to. It puts my mind at ease after dealing with everyday issues and helps me to have pleasant dreams. My favorite song on the CD is Fly Away (Thinking of You). The mix of contemporary jazz and classic jazz on this CD is great and the CD cover is so pretty, that’s one of the reasons I purchased the CD and then wound up loving the whole thing. Piano jazz is my most favorite, and I don’t know what I would do without your Blue Touch CD to listen to at the end of the day. So, keep on making the music and I will continue to listen... =)
Your Friend
Lavinia
P.S. Nightshift is great!
Dear Gregg:
I've got all of your albums right from your first recordings with the Rippingtons ( was it the first?) down to the your latest album " Nightshift " - YOU ARE JUST AMAZING , MAN!! THE MAIN MAN!!! You are Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Kobe Bryant, Shaq , Rasheed Wallace, Tim Duncan combined of contemporary smooth JAZZ! Keep up the good work brother and may the good Lord bless you always ! From all of us avid fans of yours here in Sydney Australia, MORE POWER!!!!
Tony and Rosanne
Gregg—
I saw you in Catalina and chatted briefly with you and your son when you signed my CD. I just wanted to tell you not only how very much I like your music, but how encouraged I was that not only you, but several other leading musicians at the festival were actually sober, family men. I don’t have anything against drinking, but you all seemed refreshingly not the self-destructive types that I have seen so often in the music world. Your wife was there signing when you were signing autographs, as was your son. You talked about your family in the show. I just wanted to say that I didn’t know who you were before arriving at your show in Catalina, and that now I am a fan. Just wanted to say good luck and good for you and yours. I have a few digital photos that I will send when my life calms down a bit. I enjoyed the newsletter and wish you and yours all the best. Cathy
Gregg-
My music score is Nightshift. "A spectacular blend of comfort, dreams,joy and peace." Beautiful....elegant. Congratulations.
Rique Pererra , Brazil
Excellent !! Excellent !! This cd is awesome !! I never would have thought that I would have enjoyed this cd as much as I did the first cd !! You have done a remarkable job once again !! My favorite tune is track # 3 Silent Promise.......it is just so so smooth ! I have a friend here with me who I turned on to "Cruising your house at Midnight" and they just love it and now that he has heard you "Nightshift" he loves it too !! So I have done my duty by turning someone on to your cd......So what kind of goodie do you have for me ?? (Smile)
Keep up the good work, by the way...are you planning on working with any other artist soon....if so, please let me know !!
Thanx
William
hey man, checked out the web page and looks real nice. wondering though if you'll be in the washington dc area anytime soon. saw you at the smooth jazz concert for 105.9 at that hotel last time around, but i would love to hear
you play music from the new cd(especially "stevie wonderful"). also, i saw the picture with you and the rippingtons and boney james, etc. did you know that jeff kashiwa has a solo gig now and all three of his cd's are quite, quite nice? the both of you are two of my favorite artists.in any case, hope to catch you next time you're in town.
derek mcginty
Dear Mr. Karukas,
T1:
Date: 01/22/01 Time: 12:39:04 AM
Hi Gregg. saw you in NYC at a Jazz club about 2 years ago . we even met your
Aunt. When will you return to NY ? love your music came to see you, not eric
GREGG, IM FROM THE VIRGINIA BEACH AREA AND WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN CONCERT AT VIRGINIA HOUSE OF COMEDY ON THE 25TH OF JAN. I CANT TELL HOW UPSET I WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT YOU WERE NOT COMING. HOPE THERE ARE PLANS FOR A FUTURE DATE IN THE HAMPTON ROADS AREA. PLEASE LET ME KNOW ABOUT YOUR CONCERT SCHEDULE. I HAVE BEEN A RIPPINGTONS FAN FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS. I JUST PURCHASED BLUE TOUCH AND NIGHTSHIFT AND REALLY AM ENJOYING THEM. YOU ARE FAST BECOMING MY FAVORITE KEYBOARD ARTIST. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTACT YOU. HOPEFULLY YOUR TRAVELS WILL BRING YOU CLOSE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. LARRY NEAL
Hi Larry,
Sorry about that. There was nothing I would like more than to visit your area again soon. We had some cool shows in Hampton in the last few years.
That date was never confirmed so I’m a little surprised that you even heard about it.
We’re working on trying to get back east in late Feb. / early March so keep tuned to the website for updates. When its isted on the website, its “real”.
Thanks again for your kind words, you made my day,
Gregg
hi gregg, thank you so much!!! :) i just got your photo and music score, you are so nice! i'm still sticking to the cd, and still repeating nightshift twenty times. also i'm trying to find your other cd's. i'm learning piano now, though someway still a beginner. music is a magic thing, especially piano and guitar. it can make you happy, make you sad, make you smile and cry at the same time, and when you have to sleep alone, it gives you a sweet night with no risk to a nightmaire... just dreaming that someday i can play like you :) may every nice thing always be with you! helen
Gregg, It was great getting your e-mail. After all its been 30 yrs., that we've talked to each other. I listen to Lov 94 out of Miami now that I live in South Fla. Even had them play some of you Summerhouse cuts. Didn't know Debbie Gould was in the area. Some bad news though. Where is smoothjazz headed, "It's here to stay." Looking follow to seeing you whenever. God Bless Steve Crawmer
you proably meet so many people you wont remember chatting with me on the street two yrs age in rehobeth. you asked if i was there to see sample and i answered no i was there to see you!i'm a big fan of yours and nightshift is a good follow up to blue touch.hope you start making more east coast appearences
While on holiday in Florada September 2000 we tuned in to a radio station WSJT from Tamper Bay that is where we first heard your music. We have been it to our record shops in the UK and have been unable to find any CD of yours. Canyou supply the CD titles and numbers so that I can order them. Great Music.
Roger & Janice Miles Hampshire Uk
Hi Gregg- I'm up in Northern California at KJZY - you came up a while back and did a great listener party for us.
When I'm on the air I'm always surfing the web to find artist information, album information, etc. I just played Chasing the Wind and was wondering who did the lovely guitar. I see you listed in another area of your site who played guitar on the album (all great talents, by the way), but of course it doesn't say who did exactly what! For those of us that have our music loaded to a hard drive and don't have the cd case and liner notes available, it would be VERY HELPFUL to be able to find the information on an artist's website. Just a thought! CU next time! Karen
Yo Gregg..got your new cd "Nightshift" and it's DA BOMB!!! As always..you're DA MAN! From all of us here in Sydney, Australia...MORE POWER to you pal, hopefully u'll get to visit us here down under - man, we'll keep waitin'!!
Hi Gregg!!! This is your avid fan here again. You have always been a favorite jazz pianist of mine and so is Antonio Carlos Jobim. I wonder if you would consider making a tribute album for Antonio in the near future. And oh, my wife is just so crazy about your music..More power pal and God bless!!!
Hi Tony, That’s a good idea - of course Lee Ritenour did “ A Twist of Jobim” a few years ago and it was a big hit. He’s such a universally revered composer. There are many other Brazillian composers whose work I admire. Milton Nascimento and Dori Caymmi are the biggest ones for me. We'll see....
Thanks for your suggestion. Gregg
gregg, I have recently moved from atlanta over a week ago andinto my new home in wilmington N.C I am currently working with smooth jazz 106.7 in promotions production and sales.I am organizing a two day festival w/tenative artists rick braun,jeff golub,eric marienthal and hopefully.....you..If your iteniary allows you to be available for june 22or23rd please let me know. I have two beautiful daughters 4 and 16mos "congratulations" to you and yvonne on your two boys. It puts life in perspective.. congrats on the way your career has grown in artistic and international popularity. please get back w/ me 910 791-3088 ext 27 or my hm # 910 790-0363 look forward to speaking to you soon
thanks gregg
lee venters
Where is 'Smooth Jazz' headed? I tell you, this is a sore spot for redio and music fans as far as I'm concerned. I have lived in Santa Monica and the San Franacisco Bay Area thus I have had the fortune of listen to the two premier “Smooth Jazz” stations in the nation, KKSF out of San Francisco and KTWV out of Los Angeles. For practical purposes I’ll use them as a broader representation of the genre since, in my limited travels around the country, other jazz stations I have heard, reflected the same format as KKSF and KTWV. I listened to these stations since their infancy. Now, in maturity, I believe they are in a midlife crisis.
Why? Because they have forgot where they came from and now sound a regular pop and Top 40 that play from an exclusive list of artists and songs. KKSF and KTWV in particular and again, probably representative of the Smooth Jazz genre, beat the same songs and artists into the ground. I don’t want to hear another cheesy, schmaltzy, poorly written, emotionless Kenny G song/record again! Where is the diversity of artists and hidden talent that built Smooth Jazz?
There are gems of songs and artists out listeners have to dig up themselves. Personally, I have lost the inclination to go to clubs and listen to new talent, or scour CD stores and websites to dig these artists up. And it’s unfortunate for the struggling artists who have as much or more talent than a lot of the junk being played on stations today because I don’t miss what I have never heard. And I find I don’t listen to Smooth Jazz stations as much anymore even though I still like the music. I find I either don’t listen to the radio at all or tune in sports, news or NPR.
I didn’t even know you (Gregg) had a new CD out until I went to your website on a total whim. I was in LA over the weekend and wanted to see if you were playing anywhere. I wasn’t going to take the time to go get then look through the LA Weekly so I thought I’d check the website. I never heard a thing about the new CD on the radio. But I have heard plenty about upcoming releases and tours dates for several other artists form the exclusive play lists (such as the aforementioned Mr. G.)
I am a jazz fan, as well as the consumer. As a businessperson, I know they are going after the bigger money, I don’t blame them for that, but I know money can be made and artist talent can be nurtured at the same time in the same format. I can think of several ways this can be done and, other than being the customer, thus being right all the time, I am not a music industry expert. If they would stay in touch with the audience…
I have not heard any of your music but look forward to becoming one.
Greg, Please let me know if you tour anytime in 2001 on the east coast. We love smooth jazz in the carolina's. Thanks, Rick
Hello Gregg! I've written to you a few times already. I'm a great fan of your music! Unfortunately, NightShift is not available in our country. And also is it possible to have your gigs taped on video so that people who can't see you play can watch you through the video player? You are the best. Jason
Gregg, you were AWESOME tonite at LaVeLe'. It was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks so much for autographing my new CD. I will treasure it & can't wait to listen...I'm serious about you performing in South Africa. I believe the people there would LOVE YOU!:-) Good luck...Julia Wilson
Wassup, Gregg??!!
U DA MAN! I dig your style, bro'.
I think smooth jazz will be fine as long as there are folks like Gregg Karukas, Jeff Lorber, Steve Laury and Bob Baldwin out there.
Stay cool, mah brotha.
/Uncle Funky
I just purchased your "Nightshift" CD and am very pleased with the music....every track is slammin'!I notice the Brazilian influence. I am a dentist in the Sacramento area and wonder if you will be touring in Northern California at clubs like Kimball's East in the Bay area or festivals like Russian River. Thanks for the music....I have your CD in heavy rotation in my office. Peace.
Wallace J. Bellamy, DMD
Hi Gregg,
I heard Severna Park on a DC station and loved it! Especially since I grew up in SP and my folks still live there. "I Keep it to Myself" is so incredibly haunting and beautiful, hope you'll be recording more tunes with Shelby!
Wayne Hollyoak Martinsburg, WV
Hello Greg. This is my first time visiting your site. I had brought your cd to work (Blue Touch) and the response I received from everyone around me was tremendous. This cd actually had the hard core, I have to get my work done personnel here tapping their feet, bobbing their heads and swaying to the music so much, they had to go buy and some took it from me to download on their computers. I think smooth jazz is here to stay. I grew up loving music. I was able to hear one of the best sax players who was up and coming growing up in high school. We grew up together in Little Rock, AR and his sudden death affected me, mainly because there is talent in the small state and he was one of the few to be recognized. He told me Jeff Lorber, who is another favorite really gave him one if not his first big break. I am living in your area now Greg, out in Upper Marlboro and we hear and request for you on Smooth Jazz 105.9. Keep the good music flowing.
Ooh I am sorry, I forgot to mention the saxophonist's name was Art Porter. Take care and will visit again soon.
love the site very cool Mike Hartmann
Hey Gregg, I love your new tune "Chasin' the Wind", but my top favorite song of yours is "Cruisin' Your House at Midnbight", I has a very nice rythem to it. Hope you come to Ft. Lauderdale soon, maybe I'll come and see you play.
Sincerely, Kelly Debbaudt A.K.A. Kenneth Baxter
hEY GREGG, ITS YOUR PAL JANE!!!! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? WILL YOU BE IN DC OR OC ANY THIS SUMMER? ITS BEEN 1 1/2 YEARS SINCE I'VE SEEN YOU TOOOOO LONG!!!!!! HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU LOVE, JANE TYLER MULLENIX
Dear Gregg,
I have something I want to share with you, but in the strictest confidence. I recently done something for Jeff Lorber and George Duke. I would like to share with you. I think you might be surprised! Donald Grammer is the name , I'll await your reply. Sincerely , Donald , Peace.
Hi Gregg, a belated 'thanks' for the signed music sheet. It was much appreciated, I did not expect anything, honest! I have been busy in the meantime and have now managed to collect all your albums. Night Owl and Home for the Holidays were the most elusive, but courtesy of 'Smooth sounds' they arrived at my home in the UK within 10 days of ordering, a good service in my opinion. I have played them all to death. The albums are all outstanding recordings, with some of the greatest smooth jazz names in support. All fantastically rewarding to hear, my advice to your newer fans is to seek them out, the musicianship and the brillance of the compositions renders them timeless, they are as fresh today as the day they were recorded. If anyone reading this doubts me, listen to the 'Summerhouse' album, then you will have to buy all the others. No excuses, If I can get them, anyone can. I spoke to Steve Quirk at Jazzfm recently, (I have actually been corresponding/talking with Steve since 1991 when he was at Sunset radio) I told him he needs to have you as his featured artist on his weekly show and call you to interview you. Then by a strange co-incidence, I heard last Wednesday that you were to be on the Dave Koz show. They don't call me Pyschic Vincent for nothing!(in fact they don't call me physcic Vincent at all) We get the show on Jazzfm on Saturday from 0800 to 1000 GMT and I made sure I caught it. It was a real blast, listening to the great rapport betwen you and DK. I really enjoyed it, particularly the insight into the influences that have played a part in your development as a composer and musician. I hope the idea behind the impromptu jam develops into something on your next album, it was real groove. The next single from night shift? I guess I would be torn between,'Time could pass' or 'Rocky peak', if we were approaching Autumn(sorry, the Fall)then it would have to be 'my favourite season' Hope that helps. Wishing you and your family all the best Vincent
Hi Gregg,
How are you? The KSBR Bash in San Juan Capistrano was awesome. My brother, Tim and I really enjoyed the concert.
I have updated Pat Kelley's website. Look at the last photo in the photos session. There is the picture with you, Pat and Steve.
You will find another picture of you, Thom Rotella and me at http://www.patkelley.com/images/row1.jpg You can use them on your website if you want, but please put my name under the photos.
Wow, I have read the news about Shelby Flint on your website. I am very eager to hear her new CD. Please keep me posted on how to get this CD.
Thanks, Gregg!
Take care.
Rowdy Geenen from the Netherlands
Hi Gregg- Loved your show in Seattle on the fourth of July. I had an idea for the song that has no title yet. How about "Lying in Wait"? To me the tune had a definite funky predatorial, benevolent-love-capture groove. Thanks for the show & good luck… D.C.
I want to give a name to the new song 1-Liquid Ivorys 2-Ivory night
Your arrangements are the greatest! I can hardly wait to receive the four (4) CD's that I recently ordered from Karukas Music. I first heard you on V98.7 out of detroit, mi., and I used the computer at Harmony House to see what you had available. I cannot thank you enough for the Picture and the sheet music, among other things. You associate with the best!
In answer to query #6 above, since I have Witness, Blue Touch, Sound of Emotion, Nightshift, Nightowl, --Holidays, and (I know It's You)(my pun), is all of the above sufficient? As a critical discerner, I will, however, endeavor to discriminate as fairly as possible and respond soon! Kim Pensyl has three (3) sketches (collections), you will need 7, as I see it!
Dear Gregg: I have enjoyed listening to a cut from one of your CDs played on our jazz station here in Youngstown, Ohio. It features the beautiful voice of a young woman in the background singing to a either a Brazilian or Latin beat. I would love to get the CD. Could you give me its name? Thanks again and continue your excellence. Sincerely yours, Ernie
Greg - yu are my only link to finding any current info on Shelby flint, whose music I heard in the LA area in the 80's and I miss so much. Which gigs is she doing with you? I sing 2 of her songs (although I do sing publicly I have not performed these yet but will if I have permission - I sing in churches and for free) and would like more - will she ever release more original material? Is there a way i can contact her directly? - I spoke to her briefly during a break at one of her gigs in Santa Monica when she wasn't feeling well (I am an acupuncturist and chiropractor by profession, music is my favorite hobby). Please let me know it means a lot to me because she has been a MAJOR inspiration to me. Thanks. Taras Lumiere (916.797.9933)
Gregg,
I just heard that you've confimred to play at Turlock Music Fest 20001 in Turlock California on September 8th. Looki9ng forward to it!!
I'm the director of this event and am excited about your appearance. Check out our festival sight, We should be loading up your appearance very soon.
www.turlockmusicfest.com
Thanks,
Al
Gregg--I have just recently "discovered" your music, thanks to a jazz-lover friend of mine who was playing one of your CD's in his car. We were listening to "Nightshift" and I instantly was drawn to your wonderful talents. I now not only have that CD myself, I also have "Blue Touch" and enjoy it just as much. My very favorite song is "Captive Hearts." That is beautiful, sensual, seductive music at its very best! I have truly become a devoted fan and put you right up there with my absolute favorite artist, Al Jarreau! Keep sharing your wonderful talent! Sincerely, Becky S., Toledo, Ohio
Hey Gregg- When is your east coast tour "to be announced'? We old farts in Bowie are waiting to enjoy your music live again, hopefully real soon. Looking forward to it! Steve Henderson, et al
Hi Gregg @ "Great Sounds": In Apocalypse Now, Brando said, and I (think) I quote, "The horror of it (all)". AS soon as I complete one determination of my "Best of --", I play a different CD and some of those should be included. How can I possibly select 10 or 12 when there are 87 that I know of and have heard; what about all of the rest? I love every minute!
Hi Gregg @ family: Reader's Digest, Sept 2001, page 175, "The Healing Power of MUSIC!" They/He/She must have picked up on my comments to you. As Hunter (from TV) used to say, "It worked for me!" As the Key Witness CD is playing, I am cured (some more)!
Dear Gregg -- We first heard "Chasing the Wind" on V98.7, our local smooth jazz station in the Detroit area. We so enjoyed it that we ran right over to pick up the CD on which it's featured, "Nightshift". It's a wonderful collection of your work! You have two new fans!! You've been added to our list of favorite pianists with Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Ahmad Jamal and Vince Shandor, a local Detroit pianist. Thanks so much for sharing your talent!! Do you ever get anywhere near Detroit on your touring? We'd love to come hear you... Sincerely, Dave and Judy Bess, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Hi Gregg, We enjoyed your appearance with Eric Marienthal last fall in Santa Rosa. When will you play in the Bay Area again ? We have all of your discs and enjoy everyday !!! My 6 year old daughter loves Back on the Boardwalk.
just wanted to tell you gregg karukas that your new cd nightshift is the best smoothjazz cd i have ever heard. i just purchesed it last week.i heard your music on my digital cable music channel smoothjazz 351.i am a huge fan of smoothjazz.i live in the rockford il area. in our city we seem not to get any smoothjazz concerts. we have awonderful theater called the c coronado that would be great for smoothjazz artists like yourself. we also have in september over laborday weekend a big festival called on the waterfront that draws huge crowds wiyh a jazz junction stage. it sure would be great if you came to rockford il for a concert well look forward to maybe seeing you in our area someday. jazzbq
Hi Gregg, family & "great sounds": The local paper had an (another) article about the medical powers of music. Of course, we already knew that. Hopefully your music can be heard by all of the people that have suffered today and can appreciate the healing power of your "great sounds." Soon, I should have a second draft of your "best of ---". Keep up your great work! donald djdax17@hotmail.com
Thanks for comming to Turlock on 9/8/01 for our music festival, great show, Dan
Oh yeah, song title sumit at the "Turlock Music Festival" on 9/8/01: "Monte Cristo Breeze". Dan
09-22-01 @ 0200hrs Hi Gregg & family: Still going strong! The new Larry Carlton CD, Fingerprints sounds like your influence, or is it just like minds think alike? We have to figure out a method to utilize your "great sounds" to eliminate hostility in the world! Possibly a "great sounds" virus for all of the Afghanistan computers! don 09-22-01 @ 0200hrs
Greg: Do you know if Shelby Flint's LP: SLELBY FLINT by SHELBY FLINT on Valiant Records WS401 has ever been reissued by WB, or the contents has been reissued under another title? If not do you know where one might find a quality copy of the original stereo LP? JIM in Indianapolis
Gregg, If I may, I would like to congratulate you on another accomplishment in your brilliant career. "Nightshift" is a staple in my disc player. I love the thought & feeling behind your music. You definitely stand out as original and fresh in a vast sea of smooth jazz artists. You know, my favorite song is "You'll Know It's Me". The first time I heard that song, I ran out and bought the disc. Needless to say that I just about wore that cd out...(smile). Keep on makin' folks like me happy by giving us that GK love. Do you plan on coming down to San Diego any time soon? I will be in the front row if you do. Congrats again on the new disc... Erica Anderson
FINALLY purchased the NightShift CD after having listened to it on Spinner.com at work for months.... I can't stop playing it. There are so many great songs, including NIGHTSHIFT, TIME MAY PASS, and CHASING THE WIND. It's as though you have a direct connection into my soul. I cannot thank you enough for this music. If you never make another CD (God forbid!), this one will always be in a class by itself. - Lisa B. Lee, Oakland, CA
For sweetlisa and all who have written lately. Thanks so much for your kind comments. You really made my day! As I prepare new songs for my next CD project, letters like yours really get me going……on the path to stay true to the inner melodic inspirations I have always used. While I love playing live, my schedule has not allowed me to tour much this year. Hopefully that will change as soon as I finish the next CD and release it in early 2002. ( fingers crossed) So until then, keep listening, requesting, and be happy. Sincerely, Gregg
Hi gregg, family & friends: Woould you believe that v98.7, the (alleged) detroit smooth jazz radio station finally played "Chasing the Wind"! It was said, however, that you are a great keyboard artist. How would they know, they certainly do not play your arrangements often enough to form an opinion (as I have)? I'll keep plugging your "great sounds"! 2200hrs 10-01-01
Oh yes, I forgot. I finally wore out my vehicle tape-player listening to your "great sounds"! It must be time to reorder another lease vehicle!
0041hrs 10-09-01 Hi Gregg, Family & friends: My psychiatrist has determined that I can now ease off of the controlled (non)substance; generic, Karukas. I told him that it is too late, I am hooked for life, and, since no prescriptions are required, I will maintain usage! However, I need more input! djdax17@hotmail.com
Gregg, I first found out about you from a search recommendation at Amazon.com where I heard the samples of Nightshift. It's one of my favorite top 5 CD's! I listen to the Seattle Smooth Jazz station occasionally, but many of the songs sound like the tempo was reduced and the monotonous "smooth jazz percussion rhythm" added to transform the original into this molded pattern. July 4th was really exciting this year because I heard that morning that you would be playing at the waterfront in Seattle. It was the first year I'd watched the fireworks from the waterfront; the combination of your concert and the concluding fireworks made it a truly memorable event! I bought your Blue Touch CD and tried to get "You'll Know It's Me" but Amazon couldn't obtain it. (I'll try another source.) I studied piano for 16 years, so I'm partial to piano/keyboard and music with developed inner layers of rhythm and fullness, such as your added brass, etc. along with some pizazz! Other favorites: Joe McBride, early George Benson, Fourplay, and old 70's albums of Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Chicago. Favorite songs: Club Havana, Chasing the Wind, Rocky Peak, & Speakeasy. I'm anxious to hear your new CD (coming soon??)!! Jean
Hey Gregg, Cool website!!! I'd like to know how long you've toured with Alphonse Mouzon and if you have some more photos w/him? Would love to hear from you! Keep up the great work peace Nikolaus Dolp / Austria
Hope to see youy in Santa Rosa again sooon. Al Dalton
Dear Gregg: Your music is just beautiful. Congratulations and go ahead to success.
Hi Gregg: I can only imagine how great the show for peace was. When I see all of the artists that were involved, Michigan was not the place to be. I will be giving "great sounds" gifts for the holidays this year thanks to yvonne, yourself and your fellow members. I hope that your thanksgiving was as great as ours was. donald
Dear Gregg: I have a comment from your music, and all I have to say is that your music is just beautiful. I have two CD's from you: Summer house and Blue Touch. Both are beautiful releases and I congratulate you for that. I hope that one day you come to Mexico and give us a concert. Many people in Mexico love jazz like me, and we will be glad to hear some smooth jazz like yours. Thank you very much and please write me, so I have your comments back.
Oh My Lord-! At longlast I've found you!! I just wanted to say Hi! as I've been out the contempo jazz loop for a while--I'm here in Kansas City Mo.--I once worked at a record store call 7th Heaven, and was one of the Jazz Music buyers, and even travelled out to Cali and stopped in at My Place to listen to you.I met your lovely wife, and enjoyed some wonderful music! It's been several years since then,(about 1995 or so)and you may not even remember me. I don know that several times you came to Kansas City, and I wasn't around you would always ask about me to a then Jazz music dj personality named Mable G. At that time she was at 106.5 The City. Anyway, sorry for the long note but, I just ran across your website while looking for some Dori Caymmi music and decided to drop a line or six or 20 of them!(smile)It's okay of course if you don't recall back that far, But I'll never forget your music and what a great, and friendly guy you were. Enormous Thanks, Lisa Collins (formerly of 7th Heaven Records, Kansas City
Happy Holidays to Gregg Karukas and family!!
every thing you do is wonderful, thanks for music. your greatful fan.
Gregg- Hi this is Nancy (Haggerty) Paonessa, from your high school class of '73. Just want to let you know that our family (husband Paul, 11 year old son, Alex) really enjoy your "Night Shift" I would like to be on your mailing list, and if your are ever in the Phoenix Az area , we would all LOVE to come see you perform. I saw you at the Scottsdale Civic Plaza about 14 years ago, when you were with the Rippington's and I came up and talked to you. Do you remember that ? Also, I think you and my brother Steve Haggerty were pretty good friends. Happy New Year !
Hi Gregg, When will you play in Sonoma County again ? We would love it if you would play Rodney Strong Winery this summer ! Peace. Craig Hughes Santa Rosa, CA
I Love this station ,it is the best music i've heard in some time.thanks for the smooth ride home.
Hello, Gregg. This is Drew Wilkins from Philadelphia, Pa. I have to admit when I first heard your song, "Nightshift", I was extremely blown away. I started wondering, "Who in the world is playing this dynamic, vanilla-style, slick piano/keyboard sound?" When the announcer said that it was you, I had to say, "Well, it is a shock why a talent as brilliant as yours does not get enough airplay around here!" From that point on, your new CD is next on my "wish list", and it has become tops on my playlist. I am someone who is fledgling with songwriting and plans to get an instrument once my finances are clear. There is just something about your new CD that really intrigues me, and I have some ideas that I am playing with. But everyone has to have someone who they can pattern themselves after without duplicating their ideas or style. If my hunch about your new CD is true, you just might be one of them. That may be a surprise in a world surrounded by Brian Culbertson, Kenny G, Najee and George Benson, but who knows? Sometimes it is the most unlikely person in someone else's eyes that can have the biggest influence. I'm quite sure that once I get your CD, "Nightshift", that I will be saying, "Boy, I sure have missed a good thing in this Gregg Karukas guy all along!" Anyway, I hope to be at the Berks Jazz Fest and see the real thing for myself. Until then, good luck with your new CD and hope to see you soon!!
Hi Gregg, congratulations! Nightshift, is my song. I'am specialist in this kind of music. I'am from Brazil. I know Toninho Horta, Ivan Lins, Djavan and I have everything from Tom Jobim. I play my guitar too. I love Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Doc Powell, George Benson and now Gregg Karukas. You now what? The strong brazilian influence in all this musicians. P L E A S E keep playing like that,your music is beautiful. My country have a happy and beautiful song and you play like that.
greg, i'm hoping to get a copy of 'KEY WITNESS'. is it still available? i've got every one fo your CD's that i know of, but a full listing of your solo CD's would help. i also would love to see you perform. do you ever play in the san fran/bay area? thanx, alan lewis
Comments
Gregg... Saw you this past summer (in Turlock, Ca) and enjoyed the concert (along with my 13 yr old daughter. My favorite (still) song is: "I Keep it to Myself", from Sound of Emotion, with the vocal by Shelby. Could you please submit the words to that song? To answer any of these questions would be tough, so I can't do it.
Your websit is great. I love the pictures. I have one Gregg Karukas cd that I love. I play the cd often at home. I even have Gregg's autograph from a Jazz Fest several years ago on Catalina Island. I am glad I happened upon this website (I was actually looking for a Boney James website to look for a concert in the Seattle area I heard about on the Radio). I am sure that I will purchase the new Night Shift cd. I will back to your site to post my favorites. Cindi
Hi Gregg- Its your former classmate Nancy (Haggerty) Paonessa. I'm letting you know what I think of your website. I think its awesome !!!!!! I love the fact that you include your family life on your web site. You, have a beautiful loving family, AND a successful career doing what you LOVE, you really do have it all, and I'm happy for you ! Are the CD's in the monthly give away your CDs? I hope so, the only 2 CDs I can find in the store are "Blue Touch" and "Nightshift", which I already have.
How about a PianoSoft recording for Yamaha Disklavier pianos?
Gregg...Just got back from the Berks Jazz fest and had to drop you a line. I had taken my 18 yr old son there for an introduction to live smooth jazz music. It was no accident we had tickets to your show. I had seen you at the Capital Jazz fest a couple of yrs ago and knew how great your shows are and what was in store for him. He had taken note of your great performance at the all star jam the night before and was now eagerly waiting for your show. About two hrs before the show we crossed paths with you in the lobby after your sound check. My son asked you for your autograph and you graciously stopped to sign and took the time to talk with us for a couple of minutes. We appreciated that. Your show blew the audience away. I had mentioned to you I had already ordered Nightshift from Amonazon.com but after your show I knew there was no way my son and I could share one copy. We bought another copy after the show. My son is now totally hooked on smooth jazz music in general in your music in particular. Any chance you'll make your way back to the Syracuse Jazz fest. Saw you there with Boney a couple of years ago, would be great to have you back.
To Gregg fans: We all know what kind of musician Gregg is but what about Gregg the person. I'll tell you my observations. As I said I saw Gregg at the Berks Jazz fest in Reading PA. Gregg and I happened to stay at the Hotel where the show was and as a result it seems I happened to see him alot around the hotel the entire weekend. Let me tell you Gregg is a guy that is sincerely appreciative of his fans support. He spoke with us for a few minutes and I was impressed by how genuine and friendly he was. He was always getting stopped by fans and everytime I saw him he was the same way. If you've never seen him play get to one of his shows. You can tell he so loves to play. When you see how much emotion he puts into his playing you appreciate his music that much more. During our show he told us it was his mother's 70'th birthday. He pulls a cell phone out and calls his mom back in California and has the crowd sing happy birthday. Before hanging up he tells his mom he loves her...every woman in the place just swooned. I check out his web site and there is a picture of he and his family...Let me tell you Gregg fans this guy is a class act. Dave in Syracuse
Dear "Gregg", I just bought your CD "Nightshift" and man, I am "loving it to death!!" I must have played it 12 times in the past 2 days! My favorite tracks are "Nightshift" and "Time could pass" (with Jonathan Butler on vocals) It is the "sweetest" album you've done so far. Keep up the good work!! When are you coming to New York to give my ears something to sing about?? April-New York
Wow! What an awesome website! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us. I live in a very small town in central Illinois about 2 or 3 hours south of Chicago. Although country seems to be the music of choice in this area, I have a pretty wide range of taste in music from classical to new age, to pop, rock, some heavy metal, cultural music, and many others... pretty much everything.... except country! Even with my diverse taste in music, until recently I had not really discovered jazz. About a year ago I met a very special person from California. One night when we were talking on the phone, he had the most wonderful music playing in the background. I asked what it was..... and it was you... your song 'Always' was playing at the time. I liked it so much I had to buy the CD the next day. That was about a year ago and have since started down a most wonderful road of exploring and immensely enjoying jazz. I ran across your website today, and I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful music you make and for sharing it with the rest of the world and not keeping it inside! What a wonderful gift!! Thank you so much! Gina Lexington, Illinois
Hi Gregg, Just a note of congratulations for Nightshift's climb to #5. I notified your ol' hometown papers in Bowie Maryland and they wrote up a story about you! Hope some Bowie High School friends found their way to Ocean City while you were there. Best wishes to all, Mary Nusser Class of 73 April 13, 2001 ps, I just put away your holiday CD, couldn't get out of the holiday spirit with your music!
Good Morning to you Gregg! How are you? Well I woke up this morning surfing and heard your music on the radio. I decided to check out your website. It is so NICE. GREAT JOB and excellent job on including your family with everything that you do! That is so good that you are taking a break and spending more Family time! Just remember you will always need FAmily! I have a 3 year old daughter named Danielle and she is a handful! My husband is stationed (army) here in Ft Stewart GA and I am SOOO READY TO LEAVE...boring!!! In order to enjoy Jazz I have to go to FLORIDA! (I am from St Petersburg anyway so its not too bad). Well to answer some of your questions, I am a BONEY Fan as well as yours! Check out my website! Just go to www.boneyjames.com and click on LINKS...you will see where it says "a georgia fanclub"...There's me!!! I REALLY LOVE YOUR MUSIC and I think it is so AWESOME that you take the time to inform your fans on whats going on...with your typing not someone elses ..I will be stopping in more often now to chat with you! Email me soon and keep in touch! I will be taking advantage of your time in the studio so that I can get to know you better and your awesome music! I wish could get a chance to go to a real live studio and see how music is produced! Well, Gregg Take care of the Family and tell your sons to be good! Love ya, Nichelle!
YOUR MUSIC IS GREAT !! I JUST RECENTLY (UNFORTUNATELY)HAD THE CHANCE TO HEAR YOUR MUSIC;PLEASE CONTINUE TOURING AND RECORDING. SINCERLY, LEE HILL
YOUR MUSIC IS GREAT !! I JUST RECENTLY (UNFORTUNATELY)HAD THE CHANCE TO HEAR YOUR MUSIC;PLEASE CONTINUE TOURING AND RECORDING. SINCERLY, LEE HILL
Please play "They Say" from "Secret Ellington" (True Life Jazz - second track). It was one of Grover Washington, Jr.'s last recordings and it was also sung at Duke Ellington's funeral. Written by Duke Ellington and Herb Martin, "They Say" will be very well received on or around Duke's birthday (April 28th). Thanks! Ed Puckhaber
Greg you are the man!! I anxiously await your return to Washington DC. Your cd's are always in my changer. I'm looking forward to the next addition to my collection. Continue the good work! Your Devoted Fan!!! Lorenzo Shepherd
Hi Gregg! Sue from Reading (formerly) and now S CA. I can't wait to see you in concert again. You have been performing on school nights, some distance from where we live. Not good for a school teacher, but great for you. CONGRATS on Nightshift, which I bought months ago. Take care
I just heard a great song on the radio; the announcer said it was "First Love" by you and Boney. I've checked your cd's and Amazon, but I don't see that title. I LOVED it. Where can I find the cd that song is on? Thanks, Betty Daugherty
Gregg, We certainly do miss you on the east coast. Why haven't you been to the Capital Jazz fest in Columbia Maryland or Fairfax Va?
Gregg, Just got your latest schedule & browsed your updated site. Congrats on your continued success! You're family is beautiful and I'm really happy for you. Do you keep in touch with John at all? He's corporate by day and plays in a couple of bands by night. He seems to be performing pretty regularly locally with folks. Sometimes he serinades me over the phone from Indiana. He's so sweet. He sounds so happy really back into his music again. If you ever get to Speedway, I know he'd be thrilled to have a jam session with you! Matt is still dating the same lady he was seeing a few years ago when we saw you in DC. They're going to get married, even though he hasn't popped the question yet, but he's so friggin strategic it's scarey! Wants to make sure everything is just right in his life before they tie the knot. He's such a piece of work. Unlike Freddie and myself...met in February, fell madly in love and got married in December. This year will be celebrating our 20th. Can't believe it... John & Collen have been together for 25 years. Art got married again to a British lady. This is #3 and they live in London. He seems happy. Couldn't go to the wedding but they took lots of pictures. He's a psychologist there and seems have a thriving practice. My folks are fine and are in mostly good health and have been enjoying their retirement for the past 7 or 8 years. They travel a lot and are currently in Spain. They keep in tough with us through cyber cafes. My Mom just celebrated her 70th birthday & Dad will be 70 next March & celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in about 2 years. Well, just thought I'd touch base & get you up to date. You know, when the dust settles and we get to the end I guess we all want to feel like we've made a difference by our presence here. The great thing about what you do for a living is that you are able to reach farther than most of us. That's a blessing. Wish you continued success! Peace Mary Beth
Gregg, Hello from Annapolis Md. Getting ready to head down to Ocean City for the big Memorial Day weekend. The weather is expected to be in the 80's and sunny. Usually cold for the opening of the beach. I have thought of a few song titles... " Spring into Summer " "Autumn in Eastport" "Dreaming of you" "All over again" "My pride & Joy" "Just between friends" "Are we there yet? ". Great news about the cd ranking . I knew it was just a matter of time...Keep the smooth tunes rolling and we'll keep listening... Take care...Bob
Hi Gregg, My name is Tyrone Gillespie, and my wife and I had the pleasure to see you perform at the Juke Joint Cafe in San Diego, CA for the KIFM 98.1 27th Annual Smooth Jazz Festival. I want to tell you, that your music is fantastic! You ask the audiance to make a suggestion for a song title off your new album that has not been released yet. I believe it was the 3rd or fourth song that you played and I would like to suggest "Summertime Jive". We look forward to seeing you perform again...Keep the smooth sounds coming my man and thank you Gregg for the wonderful experience!
Hi Gregg, My name is Tyrone Gillespie, and my wife and I had the pleasure to see you perform at the Juke Joint Cafe in San Diego, CA for the KIFM 98.1 27th Annual Smooth Jazz Festival. I want to tell you, that your music is fantastic! You ask the audiance to make a suggestion for a song title off your new album that has not been released yet. I believe it was the 3rd or fourth song that you played and I would like to suggest "Summertime Jive". We look forward to seeing you perform again...Keep the smooth sounds coming my man and thank you Gregg for the wonderful experience!
May 26, 2002 Hi Gregg, First of all, I would like to thank you for giving such a great performance yesterday, Saturday, May 25th, at the 27th Anniversay 98.1 Smooth Jazz Festival in San Diego. I sat front row at the 5p.m. performance in the Juke Joint. If you can remember, I was wearing an orange long sleeve shirt with "NEW YORK 82" in navy blue trimmed in silver glitter across the front. Awesome performance. I also bought NIGHTSHIFT and you autographed it. My husband and I enjoyed the show tremendously. Here's a song title suggestions: "ALL THAT" "HEATWAVE" "SWEET LEMONADE" "SPRINKLE" "BREEZIN" Once again it was great seeing you. Regina Lindsey-Cooper San Diego, CA
gregg, my wife and i saw you yesterday at the juke joint in the gaslamp. this is the 2nd time we've seen you perform. what a show !!!!! the first time was 2 years ago when you sat in with boney james at the streetscene in the gaslamp quarter. the next day we bought "blue touch & summerhouse". i am a musician myself. i played tenor sax in junior high school for 3 years then switched to drums. i have been playing the drums for my own entertainment for 25 years. i bought a rolland td5k electric set which allows me to play whenever i want without bothering my neighbors. my submission to your yet unnamed song is "uptown shuffle" the name came to me within the first few notes of very upbeat song. my wife and i have become fans and are very impressed with your website. best wishes and god bless you and your family. bob and janet weis
Like the updated site! The boys are beautiful! Great to see Gregg's continued success! We love his tunes. Since this is public, we'll check out the personal link. Keep up the good work informing us of all the new things. Really sorry to hear of Claudio's death.
Gregg: My wife and I were at the KSBR birthday bash in San Juan Capistrano and heard your latest untitled tune. Since you said the KSBR birthday bash was the first time you had played the song live I have a couple of possible song titles for you to consider. Here they are: "Return to Capistrano" Obviously in addition to the swallows returning to Capistrano, this will also symbolize your return to the KSBR birthday bash in the future. "Capistrano Swallow" Again this references the debut of the song at the Capistrano Mission. Best of luck Mike Kochmanski
Hi Gregg, I saw you at the smooth Jazz concert in San Diego and enjoy your show very much. I have always enjoy the CD Blue touch and now I have Night Shift to my collection. After watching you perform, I guess I will have to get the rest of your CD's and for your new one coming out. You said the new one will be Heat Wave and I live in a city where it's very hot. The name for one of your titles could be "Skinny dipping in the sun" or "A drive through the Desert" Both names could go well for a CD that is going to be HOT. My name is Ronald Summers and I live in El Centro California. Keep the CD's coming and I will continue on buying them.
I think the name of the song should be "In My Room".
Hi Gregg, I was driving down the road the other day and heard you on the radio (Smooth Jazz in Tampa,Fl-WSJT) I love the music and checked out your web page- Congratulations on your career and your beautiful family. I'm ordering your CD. Keep up the great work. Take Care. Carl
Gregg, you are an awesome musician! I love jazz, especially piano and you make my ride to work a pleasant experience! Do you have a CD with piano music for the bedroom? :) If not, would you consider making one or having a majority of the songs on the next CD for this purpose? From a new fan! Raindropkaren
I would like to register for the free concert tickets and backstage with Bonney James. I truly enjoy the selection you play everyda day.
Hi Gregg and Yvonne and sons, Uncle Harry and Aunt Dottie--looking forward to those east coast dates hoping we;ll have the chance to see you--may try to get to Spaghettini August 10th--will be in San Diego for a conference--hope to see you this summer--love from baltimore--demi
Greg - This is truly a great web-site and I know it takes a lot of effort to maintain it. I am always struck by the fact that the musicians who I really enjoy are in a fairly close knit group - including (briefly): Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Abraham Laboriel, George Benson, Sergio Mendez, David Benoit, Alphonse Mouzon, etc., and of course you .... who I have found sometime ago when in LA and read your name on liner notes. The music "publishers" need to expand information about who is playing on all tracks - and not limit that info!! After all there is a fairly discerning listening audience out here! I will be pleased to add my 2 cents on some of your other favorite toipics later. Bob Keul Scottsdale, AZ
I'd like to get in touch with Ahmad Jamal via email or U.S. mail. Any ideas?
Jazz Station was fazed out here in Jacksonville Florida some years back so now I listen to Internet radio. When I heard that signature sound I knew it was Gregg so I searched out your site....Great Site. Love your music...You have a beautiful family, keep it tight and by all means keep it real! Your fan, Bill.
My first visit to your web site I've had the NightShift CD for a while and it is my best. All the song are really good. It is S S (So Smooth) I would like more air playing time on KYOT in Phx. Can't wait for the next one. C U
Saw (heard) you at the Juke Joint during the San Diego Jazz Festival, then at the free concert in Oceanside. Love your music, especially "Chasing the Wind". Bought 3 of your CDs this month and would like to join the Gregg Karukas fan club. A song title suggestion is: "Dusk 'til Dawn" or "Dusk to Dawn". Thanks for all the great, relaxing music.
MR.GREGG KARUKAS-,IN FIRST PLACE,,,,THANK YOU A LOT FOR THAT DELIGHTFUL MUSIC YOU GIVE US,I HAVE 2 OF YOUR RECORDS AND A REALLY LOVE THEM-,I´M YOUR FAN AND BY THE WAY I´M A RADIO PRODUCER,I HAVE A RADIO SHOW CALLED "CRONOS" WHIT 8 YEARS OLD,IN IT I PLAY THE BEST NEW REALESE OF JAZZ AND NEW AGE MUSIC,AND OF COURSE I PLAY YOUR TWO RECORDS I HAVE IN MY RADIO SHOW. PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE PRICE OF YOUR LAST CD(including shipping post to Mexico) I WANT PLAY IT TOO IN MY RADIO SHOW,-;YOU MUST KNOW THIS...THE RADIO COMPANY WHERE I WORK ARE THE BIGGEST IN THIS COUNTRY WHIT 23 SAME RADIO STATIONS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY,AND THIS ONE WHERE MY RADIO PROGRAM SHOW HAPPENS,ARE "EXA F.M.-101.9 FROM POZA RICA CITY IN THE BIG AND LONGER STATE OF VERACRUZ;OUR SIGNAL CAN BE HEARED IN 5 DIFFERENT STATES AND THAT MEANS A SEVERAL LISTENERS. WHEN I CAN PLAY YOUR NEW MUSICAL REALESES IN MY RADIO SHOW,I WLL RECORDED ALL THE SESION FOR AFTER SEND YOU THE CASSETTE AND YOU CAN KNOW HOW I SHOW YOUR MUSIC;IN THE MEANING TIME PLEASE ......¡BE HAPPY!..YOU DESERVE IT ...AND KEEP MAKING THAT LOVELY MUSIC. your humble fan...EDGAR CARTWRIGHT SAUCE#12-ESQ.CHOP COL.CHAPULTEPEC POZA RICA,VERACRUZ. MEXICO 93240
I wanted to submit my suggestion for a song that you played at the Broadway Plaza Concert Series on Thursday, July 25. My suggestion for the song that needs a title is "Spice of Jazz" 925-674-1112 Thanks, Cyd Antang
Smoothjazz is very smooth,is there a way that I can get a rocording of your smooth Jazz for a specific day that you have allready broadcasted. I cant listen to the broadcast every minute of the day
HI Gregg, My girls and I saw you recently at the South Street Seaport in NYC. I am a avid listener of jazz and thought it would be nice to hear a jazz concert live. That is an understatement. We had the best time ever and your music is awesome. My daughters and I still talk about that day. I purchased your Nightshift albumn for one of my daughter's birthday and we have not stopped listening to it. They thought it was so nice of you to give them your autograph and shake their hand. We are so excited about the release of your next albumn. We can't wait. After hearing you that day, I went home and did a little research on you. I found it so amazing that you were part of the original Rippingtons as I have a few of their albumns. I will you much success on the release of your next albumn. I think I will be a fan of yours for a long time. Again, thanks for coming to the Seaport in NYC and for playing some superb music. A good time was had by all. Please come back real soon. See ya.
Hi Gregg! I just wanted to tell you that I love your CD, Nightshift. I saw you in concert with my mother and sister at the South Street Seaport and we had a blast. Your music was fabulous. I want to learn how to play the keyboard, too! We thought it was so nice of you to give my sister and I your autograph and say hi to us after the concert. We have the autographs on our bulletin boards! My sister asked for the CD for her birthday later that month and it has never left the CD player since! That should speak for itself that we think you're the best! You are a truly gifted musician and we appreciate all your efforts. We wish you the best of luck on your new CD & we look forward to its release. Thanks for visiting New York and we can't wait to see you again soon! ---Christine
Gregg- So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. As a longtime resident of Bowie ( 1960- 1981) I had the pleasure of many fine meals at the Bowie Inn. I have also followed your career since I was a Bowie alumnus (Class of '73) and played keyboards ( Low rent Rock and Blues not the highbrow stuff you can do!)for 12 years professionally. God Bless you and family and your dad, a fun guy who was loved by my parents (Isabelle and Clyde Roberson) from the Somerset section of town. Clyde Roberson, Richmond, VA
I'm pleased to hear Gregg has a new CD coming out and hope he comes to Chicago. Thanks, Jeff.
Gregg, When are you coming back to Maryland or Washington DC for a performance? We miss you!!! I travel all the way from North Carolina anytime you are in the Maryland, DC area. Sherry Watson Rocky Mount, North Carolina
I heard your Nightshift CD here in Cleveland on WNWV. Very nice, I like your strong use of melody lines in your compositions. I have to say what a gas that was to see a genuine Minimoog on your site. I hope to hear the new version (Big Briar) on some CD's of yours soon. Big fan in Cleveland !! Joe Lydon Jr p.s. I still have a working 1981 Prophet 5. Gotta love analog ......
Gregg- I've been a big fan for years. Please add me to your email list. I would love to see you - any chance of getting in on the Park City JAaz Festival, or coming to the Salt Lake area on your own? I would also like to hear you return to more of your upbeat, Brazilian style. Para Los Ninos is one of my my favorite songs in the world! Thanks! Bryan Todd
Greg.. really nice stuff. You want to know where smooth jazz is headed? Where StellarFungk is takin it. I create some really hypnotic grooves that the world has never experienced. I can hear your artistry all over this music takin smooth jazz where no person could ever imagin. Stellarfungk is a mixture of dark and light images in contrast. I never paint a picture on 1 side or the other. Transitions and where u can take them could be something beyond special... as if u controlled the universe through song. I have a song title.. something I just wrote when hearing your new CD.. called The Test of Time. If you want to hear it.. I'll send u a MP3. peace -StellarFungk
GREGG THE VERY FIRST TIME I HEARD YOUR MUSIC I WAS TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY. I FINALLY GOT TO SEE YOU AT THE CAPITAL JAZZFEST IN COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, THE MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION, AND YOU WERE AWESOME. I DEFINITELY MAKE IT MY BUSINESS TO PURCHASE ALL OF YOUR CD'S, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU PERFORM AGAIN IN THE WASHINGTON AREA OR EVEN PERHAPS IN THE RICHMOND, VA AREA SOON. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR PERFORMANCE AGAIN. I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! I'LL HAVE TO RUN OUT AND PURCHASE YOUR NEW CD.
GREGG THE VERY FIRST TIME I HEARD YOUR MUSIC I WAS TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY. I FINALLY GOT TO SEE YOU AT THE CAPITAL JAZZFEST IN COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, THE MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILLION, AND YOU WERE AWESOME. I DEFINITELY MAKE IT MY BUSINESS TO PURCHASE ALL OF YOUR CD'S, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU PERFORM AGAIN IN THE WASHINGTON AREA OR EVEN PERHAPS IN THE RICHMOND, VA AREA SOON. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR PERFORMANCE AGAIN. I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! I'LL HAVE TO RUN OUT AND PURCHASE YOUR NEW CD.
I saw with my wife your recent concert in Las Vegas; we are both new fans now, th I saw your recent concert in Las Vegas with my wife, we both love your music and thank you for autographed CD
Gregg, I could not wait for the CD release party so I ordered the new CD from Amazon.com. I'm glad I did. Jack
BESIDES DAVID SANBORN NO OTHER WHITE ARTIST HAS MORE SOUL THAN YOU.
Hi Gregg, I am afraid that I DIDN'T go to Bowie High with you :-) but I really do enjoy hearing your music driving errands around Bowie today. Al Santos, on the Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch, has been playing "local musicians" lately, being sure to comment on who's who and where they are or where they're from. I spend a lot of time in the car working to build a grassroots nonprofit group, and it's great to hear how much talent the Maryland suburbs hold, or have generated -- and your name is high on that list! Thank you for the music!
Do you have any Detroit dates planned? Also, do you autograph cd's? I would love to have nightshift and heatwave personalized!
This is my mother's maiden name Karukas and it is not a normal greek name. Your family is from Sparta like mine is e-mail me if you have family in the Baltimore Area. George
Hey Im *Lela Adreana Mclena*im smooth soft singer with new cd out in stores 2003 i wrote all my songs and sung um all with live band and its really tigth! love for now lil bit about me im 20 years old imucla music mag and i have alot of things on my mind as singer and a 1 year old..and im single looking for that sweet pufect tpye guy my sweet lil girl to be her daddy and she is cute with blound hair lite tha tis and baby blue eyes and very cute i broke up with her dad cuse he would hurt her when he took her so i have full condsety of her now and love her very very much!!n i need guy with strong heart kmnow what he wants and not sreacd to get it!and he is also sweet heart and with baby blue eyes and blound hair!and very smart with alot preosianlity...thank u for now! *LELA ADREANA* p.s he has to be brigth smart and like me and has to love kids!!!other wise u are out!i want 7 more kids by the way...thanxs
Love is so jadde on the net guys!Cristy-jazzi-flieds@yahoo.com 13675834763(phone number)name Gica 21 england and sinlge with 3 kids...1 3 and 5 needs lover to love her!for more kids! always out for now Gica
Love is so jadde on the net guys!Cristy-jazzi-flieds@yahoo.com 13675834763(phone number)name Gica 21 england and sinlge with 3 kids...1 3 and 5 needs lover to love her!for more kids! always out for now Gica
Hi Gregg. I'm from Greenland. I was introduced to smooth jazz music by one of my friends who encouraged me to listen to Fourplay. Since that day my life has changed for the better. I especially like to listen to your music and Brian Culbertsons. It's the most beautifull tunes i've ever listened to during my short time with interest in smooth jazz music. When I heard Nightshift and Cruisin down your house at midnight I almost went crasy. Thank you so much for your lovely tunes.I hope than you will be playing i Greenland someday. The people here don't have so much focus on smooth Jazz, but maybe they will if they heard your tunes. Best Wishes from Allan Schmidt, Greenland
Gregg, I spoke with Al Evers about you playing for our company in Anaheim, CA. I gave him all the information in order to contact the person in charge of the events. I work for Roche Pharmaceuticals and we will be having our National meeting in Anaheim from Jan. 19-24th. If my dreams came true you would either be playing for us or you would be performing in the area so that I could come to see you live. Your new album is fantastic. Did we expect anything less? Thank you for your music it makes me happy. The best part is I received the new CD the last day of work for the year, Dec 20th. I am listen to it for the 5th time today. Great work. Please, e-mail me back and let me know if there any performaces in the surrounding areas of Anaheim so that I can come see you play. Thank you, Alex
Hi Greg, Nice website! I love the Nightshift CD! I am definitely going to get Heatwave. Keep up the Great Work! Sha-nniece www.shanniecejames.htmlplanet.com
Hi Gregg: I have listened to Heatwave and I think it is one of your best efforts. I recently discovered an SJ station in NorthHampton Mass.( WEIB 106.3 FM). They have been on the air for about one year. They play alot of your music, but also new artist like Michael Manson and new stuff from the old like Marilyn Scott. I mention this station for one reason and that is because they are the most diverse. At anytime you can hear bossanova to some latin stuff. Thanks, Robert B. Coleman (CT)
I love the song Nighshift, I play this song over and over and over. Is there a video for this track? Does guitarist Michael O'Neill have any solo projects, he is "AWESOME". Also what cd is the song "Crusing Your House At Midnight on and when will you be performing in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank-you, Venida Wilkes.
Hi Gregg: I have been a BIG FAN of yours since Summerhouse and have every CD since then. My comments are regarding "Where is Smooth Jazz headed. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and listen or at least I did listen to the "Oasis"- 107.5. I am very dissapointed in the play list that I hear on all Smoooth Jazz stations. It is nothing more than a handfull of Top 10 like songs mixed in with a collection of old worn out R&B songs & artists. When I hear Maria Carey, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston being played - I'm out. I have no objection to the R&B format, but I can get this music a few clicks down the dial. As for the Top 10 mentality I'm sure the repetitive playing of a song is great for you, but it bores me to Hell. Nothing on Smooth Jazz stations is very inovative or gives one any idea of how the entire CD of any artist is. My favorite line by the station DJ is "hear is the new sing from Gregg Karukas" and it ends up being one an album you released a year ago. I am so thankfull that I have DirectTv and can get some wonderful music on their playlist. I fear the Smooth Jazz format will be a thing of the past at the rate it is going. When cities the size of Atlanta have to shut their station down, that's no very encouraging. Oh Well, I only hope you keep putting out the Great music you do and hope to see you some day in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In spite of the fact we closed our wonderful venue (Caravan Of Dreams), we still get most of the Smooth Jazz artists. In conclusion - When can we expect you here?
Dear Gregg, First heard about you two years ago through my friend Michael O'Neill. Met him through another friend, David Garfield, and Mike almost instantly became my favourite guitar player. I therefore started collecting his recordings and first purchased "Nightshift" and now "Heatwave". I love both CDs but prefer "Heatwave" as I find it less "smooth" and more "funky". No doubt that I will get my hands on more of your recordings ! And as long as you ask Mike to play on your records, you'll be sure to sell at least one copy LOL :-))))) ! I'm glad I've found you and your music. It has brought me a lot of listening pleasure and I am looking forward to hear your previous records and of course all the future ones ! Best regards and best wishes for a very Happy & Successful 2003. Laurent
Just cant get enough of your Music, Playing night shift as I type this, We are big fans, If you ever get to San Diego, PLEASE CALL US, We are early 60 ties, also we have a 26 ft, Cabin Cruiser at Sea World Marina, I am a Retired Air Force Pilot and my wife is an Author. We live in El Cajon,ca. about 19 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. We would LOVE to have you and your wife and boys spend a day on our Boat. We will give you the grand Tour of San Diego Bay and Mission Bay from the water. We are just common people and there is nothing fancy about us, I am a farm boy from Minnesota and my wife is from Bogota,Colombia So America here is our # 619-444-2488 Pat and ruth douglass we are in the phone book also 1250 Petree st #353
Hi My name is Peter Su, and I am affiliated with CIM Radio Smooth Jazz, based in New York City, New York. I would like to ask a small favor from you to do a promo spot for CIM Radio. The liner is as follows: "Hi, this is Gregg Karukas and you are listening to CIM Radio, Experience Music The Smooth Way." Please encode the promo spot in MP3 128kbps/44KHz/Stereo. If you can't encode it in stereo, then mono is fine. After that, email me the promo spot at peter@cimradio.com. I am thanking you in advance. All The Best, Peter Su CIM Radio Smooth Jazz CIMRadio.com
I am a huge fan of your music. For a long time Love On The Beach was my favorite song of all times! I own almost all of your cd's and I am one of the ones that's sitting at the music store whenever your release date rolls around. Your music warms my soul and touches my heart and I can't imagine not being able to go to the store to purchase your music. "Too Cool (to be hot)" is my favorite on the new Heatwave CD for now, but of course, I love the entire CD. Keep up the good work and I look forward to hanging out at the music store waiting for your next creation! :o)
Hi All, \ Sorry I haven't responded to the wonderful posts here lately. You need to know that I do get your messages directly and try to respond as much as possible. Things have been a bit crazy, but I can't complain. I'm going to have the personal info ( phone #'s, etc. ) removed soon.....There is another way to email me directly and that is: gk@karukas.com Easy, huh? Please keep those letters coming though. You really make my day. Gregg
hi greg. wellI've been a "jazzy" for quite some time..funny thing I have loved your music and it never clicked in,every time I heard your name..My maiden name is morekas...john/helen(aka Aunt Helen) are my first cousins.So now you have solved a link in my life..jazz...good jazz...your jazz...,is in our blood.bravo keep the good ones comming
Just wanted to say thanks for you music. I have all your cds and heatwave is fantastic . I would like to know what has inspired you writing "remember when". I think is the most " intimate " piece i have ever heard from you Thanks again Giorgio Brescia - Italy
good evening i would like to know if anyone knows what artist are performing at the american smooth jazz fest. merriweather post pavilion dates may 31th & june 1 st. thank you inadvance
Your CD is best i hear in long time Keep Up Thanks MMIKEY9836 P/S I would like to see you NEW York some time this year
im just wondering why stlouis jazz fest.did not ask tim cunningham a local jazz player to be in the fest.please ask your radio listeners to call and ask stlouis jazz fest WHY NOT?thank you
just want to say hi. this is emy from the philippines. just want to say hi and i don't know why this is the only time i emailed you. i was your very first fan in manila. when u were in manila, i was in the u.s. even called you at your hotel then to return your call. i am so happy for yur success. hope you remember me and i hope you can personally write me back. take care
Dear Greg: Have enjoyed your music (sounds of emotion and summerhouse) for years and looking forward to picking up Heatwave as soon as I can find it in Texas. Heard several cuts on my XM radio (which is great by the way) and look forward to offering it in my aircraft for clients (one aircraft mangement client particularly enjoys your music). Best wishes - MarkOz
This did me no good at all! I thought you answered all questions correctly. I am going to right about this to the english council because it clearly states on your advertisments, that I am sick of appearing all over the internet, that your company can answer any questions
Hi Gregg $ family: Believe this, I drove today without any music, and I was short-tempered and upset with what occurs on the road, and then I put the "Summerhouse" tape on and the relaxation started immediately; what more can I say? Under the heading of Musical Therapy, can mileage be used as a deduction expense? the donald djdax17@hotmail.com
Dear Gregg,
I don’t ever write to fan clubs, but this is definitely one time I wanted to.
I have never been so entranced and moved by this music as I have with the
Summerhouse and Key Witness CD’s. I first heard a couple of cuts from the
Summerhouse CD on KSSJ Sacramento, I turned up the volume each time, and wanted
to hear more.
....The only place I was able to find the CD’s was at Tower Records - yet it
was somewhat difficult....I have put them all in one of my multi - CD disc
magazines, and play them over and over again.
Your friend, Ron Capalbo, Elk Grove, CA
Dear Ron,
Thanks so much.You really made my day, We’ll be in Sacramento soon so keep
listening to the radio for the date. It also helps a lot when you call the
record stores and ask for the new CD. This one should be a lot easier to find
thanks to better distribution.
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Dear Gregg,
Bravo! Saw you live at the Berks Jazz Festival (PA) this year!
The seven hour drive was worth it. Boston is lacking a good jazz radio station
so for three years I have spent thousands for Art Good’s Jazz Trax Show weekly
sent to my house. I have gotten to know you through him and have become a
follower.
Come East Gregg! The crab is better.
William Warner / S.C Seafood Co. Boston, MA
Dear Willy,
That was a great show - with Boney and my East Coast band. It’s amazing to me
how powerful radio can be, since Jazz Trax originates in San Diego and helped my
music reach you across the country. See you in October and I can’t wait to get
some of those steamed crabs.