GREGORY SIMMONS: Signs of Life

Gregory Simmons

Signs of Life

© 2005 Gregory Simmons (702987021725)

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Contemporary Jazz - Catchy melodies, danceable rhythms, interesting arrangements. Fabulous musicianship. Gregory Simmons guitar playing is sweet, subtle, yet fearless - very enjoyable.

notes

Wilson Pickett spotted Greg Simmons playing guitar in a fusion band at the Tralfamadore in Buffalo NY in the late 70's. He was so impressed he insisted that the owners have Greg add his signature to the list of jazz greats that the brothers collected at the Tralf. Greg continued to play in a variety of bands to enthusiastic crowds in the northeast and South Florida throughout the 80's and 90's. Now as a seasoned pro, Greg has focused his attention on composing original material and has many projects in the works. The most recent release, "Signs of Life", combines the incredible talents of Dave Hanlon on drums, Edgar Pagan on 6-string bass, Lisa Alibrandi on vocals and Rick Parente on percussion. Mastered by Grammy Award winner Bob Katz of Digital Domain, Orlando FL, this CD tells a beautiful story with catchy melodies, danceable grooves and great musicianship - definitely more than just another contemporary jazz CD. "Signs of Life" has heart and soul - the kind of CD you can listen to everyday for weeks and still enjoy like the first time you heard it.

Lisa Alibrandi lends her incredible vocal talents to "Signs of Life". Go to www.cdbaby.com/alibrandi to hear more from this amazing singer.

reviews

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  • Catchy melodies, killer chops and a gorgeous tone
    author: John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine

    Catchy melodies, killer chops and a gorgeous tone highlight this record. A varied program of fine tunes ... that worm your way into your mind. Gregory has been around, but this is his first solo record."

  • Overall this disc took me by surprise - pleasantly so.
    author: Jeff Charney, ContemporaryJazz.com

    You will not find Smooth Jazz on this disc.   What you wil find is a guitarist who takes his jazz playing pretty serious. Simmons is deeply influenced by fusion music.  As one would guess with this background there a lot of notes to comprehend here, but Simmons isn't just playing notes to hear himself pluck.  His notes makes sense as he gives his own compositions some life and meaning.  "Cabo Rojo" is my favorite track on the record.  It is an depth story with a nice melody that sounds like a travel log.   I found my self listening to it and then it hit me how good this song was.   "A Simple Explanation" has a nice beat with some spunk.  "Dusk To Dawn" has a nice reoccurring back melody.  Simmons is a very good guitar player. He also wrote all of the compositions, though I'm not sure that is his strong suit for some of the tunes are a little lacking in direction.  Overall this disc took me by surprise - pleasantly so.  You can purchase this CD through www.cdbaby.com.  Review by Jeff Charney (posted with permission by Greg Simmons)   

  • Simmons rides a wave of energy and success
    author: Syracuse Post Standard

    ...Jazz guitarist Gregory Simmons rides a wave of energy and success with his new disc "Signs of Life".

  • Signs of Life is an extremely impressive debut
    author: Frank Malfitano

    "Signs of Life is an extremely impressive debut, and contemporary jazz guitarist Greg Simmons is surprisingly authoritative on his first solo outing. He's also a first rate composer whose charts are catchy and instant grabbers. If I were asked to define his style I'd call it a mix of Island Funk and Street Samba. He's obviously someone who's going to be making his mark on the local scene in the months ahead. This is some of the best new jazz I've heard in years." Frank Malfitano director, Syracuse Jazz Fest Detroit International Jazz Festival

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