Greg is known primarily for his deft and tasteful fiddle work with the all-star bluegrass outfit, John Reischman and the Jaybirds. His fiddling can be heard on all of the Jaybirds recordings, most recently the critically acclaimed “Stellar Jays.”
Greg’s bluegrass fiddle resume includes work with High Country, The Good Old Persons, Due West, Rob Ickes, Sally Van Meter, Mark Vann, Kathy Kallick, Frank Wakefield, and many others. Fiddler Magazine calls him a “world class fiddler” and Audiophile Audition says Greg is “One of the best and most underrated Bluegrass fiddlers in the business. His fluid bluesy virtuosic playing is flawlessly delivered time after time.”
ABOUT FIDDLER'S DREAM
“Fiddler’s Dream” collects into one volume music featuring the three groups in which Greg has had the privilege of working the past several years. In roughly equal portions: bluegrass fiddle originals and traditional fiddle tunes backed by John Reischman and the Jaybirds (with special guest Rob Ickes); twin-fiddle and Celtic-inflected vocal-bouzouki duets with his wife Caridwen Irvine-Spatz; and the eclectic old-time world-folk sound of Mighty Squirrel.
Greg has studied and played Irish music for many years now. Listeners will be delighted with the way he skillfully blends Celtic influences with a bluegrass attack to create his own, unique style of bouzouki accompaniment. Whether alone or with Mighty Squirrel, his bouzouki work is always the perfect complement to Caridwen Irvine-Spatz’s “expressive, flexible and utterly charming” voice (Audiophile Audition).
With three books of fiction to his credit (two novels and one short story collection) and over 20 short story publications (including a story in The New Yorker), Greg is widely known for his fiction writing. Here he also takes a turn at tune-writing with two original fiddle tunes, “Bash Bish Falls” and “Caridwen’s Waltz.” Other songs included on “Fiddler’s Dream” were chosen for their relevance to Greg’s critically acclaimed most recent novel, also entitled Fiddler’s Dream.
REVIEWS OF FIDDLER'S DREAM:
"Greg Spatz has titled this CD "Fiddler's Dream," but he could just as accurately have christened it "Listener's Dream." This northwest fiddle player has created an album that is oh-so pleasant to listen to--diverse, dreamy, dynamic, and utterly delightful. The four vocal tracks are sung by Spatz's wife, Caridwen, whose absolutely gorgeous and ethereal voice is perfect for the Celtic flavors that are intermingled with the twin-fiddle and hot-picking tunes. This is a joyful album full of strength and gentleness." -- Bluegrass Unlimited
"The styles are various, but the sound is cohesive and uniformly enjoyable....
Fiddler's Dream is exactly what a traditional recording ought to be in the early 21st century, a thing both of its time and of the times that created these styles and traditions in the first place. It's all accomplished with skill, taste and heart." --Rambles.net
"Greg Spatz is one of those musicians that fly under the radar of most people, if you aren’t paying attention. Immensely talented (impeccable technique, rock-solid rhythm, and a facile, bluesy sound) with a keen ear for spot-on performances, Greg is a fiddle-player’s fiddle player. 'Fiddler’s Dream' is a tasty treat for those looking for authentic and expressive Bluegrass and folk music. It’s so good that it will leave you wanting more." --Audiophile Audition
“Gorgeous material--timeless, otherworldly and uplifting. The fiddle playing is just spellbinding. However, the thing that really knocked me out is the bouzouki playing. Just a phenomenal example of what can be done with the instrument. Truly a one-of-a-kind disc.” -- Dave Higgs, Nashville Public Radio
"Greg Spatz is a man of many talents and musical styles. He is a master of fiddling styles that easily flow from fiery bluegrass bowing to gentle flowing waltzes with a Celtic flavor." -- Bluegrass Breakdown
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
What Question can I ask to empower myself and others? What new thought can I notice now to add to my creativity? How can I improve the experience of those I encounter today? What can I do to facilitate your Gift?
Yesterday Is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift... That's why we call it the Present
I've just added a new song to my profile... It's a duet with a very talented young singer Nini. I would be really happy if you could take some time to listen to it. Also, please feel free to join my mailing list and I will always keep you updated with the news... ;)
Thank you so much for your support... Best Wishes, Emkay
Claire and I have returned. So, I just posted a note about what's going on with The Bowmans on facebook... and then I started writing a mass email... and then I decided against it... so I'm doing this instead. (begging) Will you visit my profile page to help me spread the word, pretty please??? We have a sneak preview of the new album (Produced by Malcolm Burn, Mastered by Greg Calbi) up for 5 days only… and it can be bought within the next 5 days only!!! Thanks in advance if you do. :)
G'day Greg That's certainly amazing fiddling, I envy you folks who are so brilliant with your craft, I feel such a vulgar dabbler at times with my "improper visation" Cheerio Murray and thanks for your music most beautiful
Howdy Yall! We’d like to invite yall to come join us! www.live365.com/stations/ralphsbackporch 24/7 streaming western, classic country and indie music!
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Thanks Yall!
PS! If You are a singer or poet, for goodness sakes send us some music! Contact us @ tamaraboatright@hotmail.com or by telephone 936 288 0832 cause we PLAY music here and we want to PLAY your music!
Hey Greg, Let anyone you know about the upcoming FiddleStar International Bluegrass Camp. It dovetails with IBMA and will generally be fantastic. I hope... : ) It was fun playing your parts at Grass Valley but I wish you'd been there! Cheers to you and your better half, Megan
Can you believe it? We're finally taking pre-release orders on RoseBud Blue's debut album, “Depending on the Glass"! ... You may be asking yourself, "why do I need to get my copy of this hot new album now, a couple of weeks before it's actually out??" Well friends, let me tell you...pre-release sales will not only be delivered to your very own doorstep the day it is out in June but your rockin' package (addressed, licked and sealed by the girls themselves!) will also include an autographed picture of the RBB girls!
As you can imagine, we are very excited about completing this album and know that we couldn’t have done it with out all of the support we received along the way. We sincerely want to thank you for being a part of our journey.
So, head on over to RoseBudBlue.com and pick up your very own copy today...before it becomes the “cool” thing to do.
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