Here is the scoop about me, Greg Lee, Flemingsburg Ky's native son.
I have been a full-time musician in the Cincinnati area for 14 years. I recently turned the big 41. I don't know where the last 20 years went or where my hair went, for that matter. Growing up I embodied the 'piano player' stereotype. I was the 'skinny little geek' with oversized glasses, a consummate know it all. I wasn't that great at sports other then ping pong, if that counts as a sport. I started writing songs early on as a way to impress the 'ladies' but my 'middle parted, feathered back, semi-mullet' hair style did little to encourage romance. I parlayed my music skills into a scholarship to the University of Louisville where I squandered the opportunity of a free education.
Enough about me. I'm so lucky to have met great players in Cincinnasty / northern KY. Here is the short list of fellow musicians I work with.
My regular bass player is Jeff (Mac) Mclemore.Jeff is one of those insanely talented guys who can play whatever instrument you put in his hands. He has perfect pitch and prides himself on naming the pitch of burps and other bodily noises. When Jeff is unavailable I call upon Bob Rowlette, a great player who could knows the electrical codes for most states.
Drummers vary depending on who is available. The list includes: Brian Malone -Great drummer + he leads the area's best steel drum band, The Bachannal Steel Drum Band. Brian (Gigs) Baverman - disgustingly talented-toured with the Frazier River Band.
Mark Brasington is the 'rocker' in the group. He plays great guitar, sings his butt off and is a great writer. In addition to playing with us he fronts the band "Odd Man Out". Mark's the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet.
Randy "Weavedawg" Weaver makes the girls swoon with his sax. He's very involved with his church, Grace Chapel in Mason. Another great guy who's been a long time friend.
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Influences
My grandfather was a Methodist minister which meant I was exposed to the wonderful old hymns. He was a great guitar player who sang and accompanied himself and my grandmother when they would sing in church.
My mother started playing the piano by ear at the age of 4. I mean, she actually "played" the piano, not just banged around on it. That's pretty amazing to think of a 3 ft tall person jamming away. Legend has it that my grandmother heard the hymn "Send The Light" coming from the living room and almost fainted when she looked peaked and saw mom standing up, arms reaching up to play the keys. Yikes!!
So, with all of the gospel music around me, my first main influences were Andre Crouch and The Gaither Family. Seems I had a love for country music early on, too. When I was 5 I would make mom take me to the public library so that I could check out all the Glen Campbell records. Something about "Galveston" spoke to me as a kid. I guess I've always been a little 'sensitive' & 'melancholy'. Today, the label would be 'troubled'.
Moving on - or should I say movin out - I had my introduction to Billy Joel-via a 45 of "My Life" - at age of 10 and that's when I realized what I wanted to do with my life. From "New York State Of Mind", "Captain Jack", "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant", I realized early on that Billy Joel is the man.
I started getting into Jazz at 14 when I took some lessons from local Morehead State University professor, Jay Flippen. He had this very cool way of teaching. He would jam away and I would watch, and then we'd discuss the theory behind it. It was a great way to learn.
For the last several years though, it has been all about Sinatra. In addition to live music, I also head up the Cincinnati wedding dj service albeit I don't tell my musician friends as I fear their ridicule. Check out my website for more about information and details about my talent agency. Greg Lee music, Cincinnati, OH..
Greg Lee music 513-328-6221 "Cincinnati's Choice For Music"
I've been performing in the Cincinnati area for 14 years and own a talent agency, www.gregleemusic.com.
I am a full-time entertainer, piano player and singer. I work a soloist or with a trio, playing standards, Sinatra-type stuff.
I lead a high energy cover band, The Chuck Taylors. We are hands down the most entertaining group around. Most of our events are private, but we do play a fairly steady gig at The Argosy Casino. Our sets include Johnny Cash, Journey, and Beastie Boys.
I have a growing catalog of published material in the contemporary Christian music field.
Married Casey on January 8th, Elvis' birthday, 2005. We both travel to southern India every January on Christian mission trips.
things are good! just got back from visiting the fam in fl. everyone is well! matches is applying for college! (he'll be a senior this year). tommy just graduated from college. i'm good. enjoying my summer which is about to be over. i start my rotation at the va on monday! i'm really nervous, but hopefully everything will be all right. well, i must go now. i just got a copy of the 7th harry potter! talk to you soon!
before i met you i thought that you were shelly. now that i know you are i am absolutely certain you are shelly. move into my mom's house with me shelly, shelly. SHELLY!
