GREGG KARUKAS
Keyboards
Grammy winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas hails from Baltimore. Before his interest in playing jazz was sparked, he played organ in rock and soul bands. In his early 20ies, he formed the band “Natural Bridge” and they opened shows for artists such as Angela Bofil, Larry Carlton or Jeff Lorber – Gregg had become one of the top fusion and studio players in town. In 1983, he moved to L.A., became a founding member of “The Rippingtons”, and played with musicians such as Rockwell, George Benson, Peter White, Rick Braun or Patti Austin. His early L.A. bands and CD’s included young undiscovered sax talents like Dave Koz and Boney James. In 1987, he released his first independent recording. Always in demand as a musical director (e.g. Friends Cruise to Europe by Dave Koz) and keyboardist, Gregg has since then topped charts, and he has also written and produced songs for other artists. In a career, that spans more than 25 years, he has received multiple “Best Keyboardist” nominations at the Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards. Gregg’s trademarks: his nuanced funky, melodic style, his inspiring live shows and his contagious smile. His latest CD “Serenata” is Gregg’s first ever solo piano project.
Listen to Gregg Karukas on YouTube.de: