Chris Greene: props!

Burnin' saxophonist Greene keeps the tempos up with his equally hard-working rhythm section.

[Greene is an] alto sax dynamo...who threads each tune with high-octane uplift.

Sax man extraordinaire Chris Greene and his sidemen trio New Perspective’s simply titled Jazz lives up to its name, delivering six richly played and produced originals, with deft call-and-response riffs and improvisations surrounding solid solo turns...the musicianship and excellence of execution make for a solid jazzbo listening experience.

...slowly mutating, elastic grooves...Greene's soloing is...energetic. The compositions are solid...

In fact, what makes "Jazz" a pleasure to listen to is the total band interplay at work: these guys make every note count, don't solo just for the sake of it, and don't turn the grooves into ruts. Those are the qualities necessary for a great Jazz album.

[Greene] brings to the table new interpretations with a wholesome willingness to explore and redefine the past.

...amazing young talent...Chris Greene has sold me on his ability and his drive to be one of the best of all time. Hell, you can hear him learning with every note.

...a stand-up guy.

...we have had some tremendous bands play for us, but only a few have had the musical energy [the CGQ] gives out...great solos by the entire band...several other tunes were heard, including a Hank Williams number, before the band launched into an extended version of Stevie Wonder's Boogie On, Reggae Woman which brought the evening to a close (and the audience to their feet).

THE CHRIS GREENE QUARTET
SOUL & SCIENCE, VOL. 1 (2007)
SINGLE MALT RECORDINGS
MYSPACE.COM/CHRISGREENEJAZZ


When done right, a really good jazz album does a “what if?” on your ear drums in ways that other genres just can’t. That’s why I’m diggin’ Soul & Science Vol. 1 from Chicago sax man’s band, the Chris Greene Quartet. Comprised of Greene, Damian Espinosa on piano, Marc Piane on acoustic bass, and Tyrone Blair on drums, CGQ are part of a generation of young jazz guns who are melding their classic jazz chops with urban, soul roots. And the results are the jazz world needs.

S&S is only 6-tracks including some out-the-box and soulful covers—one of Sting’s King of Pain, plus Stevie Wonder’s Boogie On Reggae Woman and Miles Davis’ Caravan, plus a couple original comps from Greene who handles the bulk of the group’s arranging duties.

Now the easy way out of covers is to do the “smooth jazz” version of the original. (Play it softer, slower, and Kenny G/David Sanborn-it within an inch of its life, or until Starbucks or Windamhill calls you for a compilation).

Fortunately, CGQ took some risks—gave you enough of a skeleton to remember it, but then fleshed it out in different ways so that it just sounded more original, but still had a lot of soul; especially on the King of Pain cover which despite running 12 minutes, felt pretty strong start-to-finish. But even on CGQ’s original stuff (4.23), which hints at a little more laid-back vibe—there’s a definite lyrical and soul feel to their playing—you could almost hear someone singing it places where the horns and piano were.

Overall, Soul & Science lives up to its name, show-casing a young hungry band full of fire and thoughtfulness and diverse influences and not afraid to mix it up and show it off.

[Chris has] a great tone, nice set choices, nice feel/rhythmic conception...[the Quartet] is great.

Chris Greene Quartet's stylistic breadth expands every time I see them, and I think that the line-up has a great balance between the groove-based approach Chris had with New Perspective and acoustic progressive jazz.

"...a class act."

..."an up-and-coming player who really hits hard with a tight, no-nonsense approach!""

Don't be fooled by the jazz-funk tag that gets stuck on this guy...he's a versatile musician in any genre you place him in. And that's more than I can say about a lot of horn players. Now if I could just get him to take up flute...

The funkiest brother on the planet. Maceo [Parker] better watch out.

Chris & Band,

Thank you so much for a terrific performance at our wedding luncheon on Sept. 9. We got so many compliments on how great the music was....thanks for making the day so meaningful.

We were definitely satisfied with the music. My mother has told me no less than 15 times how good the band was.

Thanks so much for everything.

Chris,

I’m sorry that I haven’t responded sooner, but I was out of the office until today. The music was great! Many compliments have been expressed regarding the music at the event! Thank you, so much, to you and the entire group for adding the jazzy, musical feel to our special 20th Anniversary event!

Sincerely,
Paula Q.

Chris,

I meant to thank you as well. When I heard your horn kick in on "It Never Entered My Mind," I knew I made the right choice.

I'm glad you guys enjoyed the gig.

Consider me a fan.

Take care,
Eric

From: Joanne Bunda
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 11:53 AM
Subject: Whitney Christmas Party


CeeGee,
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful music you and Dan [Dufford] provided Saturday night. Everyone thought you sounded great and it was a treat for us to have you there. We really enjoyed it.

I hope the "stage" wasn't too tight. I told Donna that I highly recommend you for any function they have. You were so nice to work with.
Again, thank you and maybe we'll see you again.

Sincerely,
Joanne

"I of course have [the Chris Greene Trio's] info on file - I'm sure people will remember having seen you when they call for future events. Thank you again!!! You guys were really the icing on the cake and the event wouldn't have been the same without you."