Greg Pasenko has had a remarkable history in the world of music. While he is the founder and president of the successful alternative jazz record label, Blujazz, he is also a dynami...view moreGreg Pasenko has had a remarkable history in the world of music. While he is the founder and president of the successful alternative jazz record label, Blujazz, he is also a dynamic vocalist and a master guitarist. He has played and led bands in the jazz, blues, and R&B scene throughout the world
While on the road for 14 years, Greg lived and led bands in KC, LA, Denver, St. Louis, and Chicago with his groups headlining or sharing the bill with jazz artists like Ramsey Lewis, Eddy Jefferson, Maynard Ferguson, blues artists like Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, comedians such as Bob Hope and Henny Youngman, and Maury Amsterdam, and rock groups like Rush, Mountain, and Blue Oyster Cult. This period also includes playing with Buddy Guy's brother Phil Guy's band, playing for Chuck Berry and performing at Chucks ranch in MO. Greg played in a duo with Bobby McFerrin (before Bobby's recording career) with Bobby playing piano and Greg singing and playing guitar. As a jazz producer he has 5 cd's to his credit, including one with George Mraz, Ed Thigpen, Frank Wess, and Lew Soloff. Others include jazz violinist Diane Delin, saxophonist Nick Bisesi, and The Mike Frost Project.
He worked in the publishing dept. for United Artists Records in LA during the time Blue Note was part of UA while performing at Harry James' drummer, Les DeMerle's LA Cellar club, backing artists like Ritchie Cole, Eddie Jefferson, Alex Acuna, and more. While there he also played many of the famous clubs during their "hey day" like the Whiskey, Roxy, and Troubadour.
Greg was a featured artist at the Signature Room Jazz Club on the 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building in Chicago for four years. He also was featured at Chicago's major festival, "Taste of Chicago". He was asked to perform for President Clinton's farewell tour here in Chicago at the Palmer House.
Greg has two cds released to date, "A Cold Night In Chicago" and his latest release, "Something Old New Borrowed Blue". This is his first cd featuring his solo jazz vocal and finger style jazz guitar work with some added guests on a few cuts to spice it up.
"... Our favorite performer."
- Signature Room 96th flr., John Hancock Building
"...Outstanding performance."
- Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events
"He's a master guitarist and an engaging vocalist... this CD was such a pleasant surprise for me."
- Steve Emerine, Pres., Tucson Jazz Society; Jazz ...view less