Artist description Greg West's music is an amalgam of influences including contemporary folk, jazz, world, and New Age music. His original tunes range from quiet, introspective pieces to bombastic epics with odd titles such as "The Square Tire Effect." Greg's love for the exotic sound of Eastern music is evident in his work with Chehalis, which featured tabla drummer Pat Mundy. The intricate rhythms and harmonies entranced audiences. Greg's music also occasionally incorporates electric guitar and other electronic instruments. His 1995 solo album , "Orion Ascending," documents his guitar prowess on both acoustic and electric instruments in what amounts to a "New Age" guitar mini-symphony and also features Pat Mundy as well. The album received airplay on over 200 stations across the United States and abroad. Greg is the recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and twice competed at the top levels of the Air Force Talent Competition. He has performed at festivals and venues around the country including the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, the Anchorage Folk Festival, and Seattle's Folklife Festival. Greg lives in Norfolk, VA where he continues to teach and compose music.

Music Style New Age, contemporary instrumental, folk

Musical Influences John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Ralph Towner, John McLaughlin

Similar Artists John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Ralph Towner, John McLaughlin

Artist History Discography: Solo Work: "Under Silent Winter Skies" - 1992 (Out of print) "Inside Passage" - 1994 - (Out of print) "Orion Ascending" -Six String Arts - 1995 "Acoustic" - DAM-CD Anthology- 2000 With groups and ensembles: Jammin' Sammin' - "Lost on the Yentna" - 1994 Jammin' Sammin' - "Long Alaskan Nights" - 1997 Chehalis - "Waiting for a Rainbow" - 1995 Chehalis - "Le Mirail" 1999 - (Electronic/Ambient album) Chehalis - "Lehi's Vision - (Electronic/New Age) Chehalis - "Twilight Dance - 2001 (Jazz)

Group Members Greg West--guitars, synthesizers, bass, computer, devices/Past members include:Pat Mundy--Tabla

Instruments Guitars, keyboards, computer, drums, percussion, bass

Albums Orion Ascending

Press Reviews "Utilizing everything from a Guild D-412 12-string acoustic to a Roland G-707 synthesizer guitar, and nothing but his finger dexterity and ingenuity, Greg created a one-guitarist wonder: Orion Ascending. Like the title entails, Orion Ascending begins with a selection of ground roots, acoustic fingerstyle guitar numbers, and then, as the CD progresses, elevates to ethereal, electric guitar journeys. The stream of consciousness remains steady, and soon the entire CD begins to transform into one enormous symphonic piece filled with small movements instead of being a string of separate songs. As a package, Orion Ascending is a refreshing alternative for the ever growing local music catalog, and a rare treat for guitar aficionados everywhere." (Anchorage Press, Nov 95)

Location Norfolk, VA - USA

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