Born: May 15, 1984 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
As a freelance musician and private woodwind instructor in the San Francisco Bay Area, Greg strongly believes in being versatile- evident in the fact that he graduated with a Master of Music Degree in Saxophone from UCLA in 2008. “Studying classical music helped me to understand personal expression through music, to strive for perfection and precision, and to understand our responsibility to those who inspired us”. As a classical saxophonist, Greg worked with the New World Symphony (in Miami, FL), the Spoleto USA Festival Orchestra, and was the Saxophone Fellowship recipient for the 2007 and 2008 seasons of the Aspen Music Festival (where he was given the privilege to work with such luminaries as Leonard Slatkin, Michael Tilson Thomas, David Robertson, Kathleen Battle, and many more). Although an honor to have been able to perform with some of the most celebrated classical musicians in the world, his passion has always been for playing contemporary/smooth jazz.
In September 2011, Greg released his self-titled CD, which charted on the Jazzweek Top 50 Smooth Singles Chart and made the Most Added/Increased Airplay lists for Billboard Magazine, Smoothjazz.com, and RadioWave. The goal for the project was to feature an “innovative blend of acoustic and electronic music... crossing multiple musical boundaries and balancing catchy and creative”, which allowed ample room to explore, pay homage to predecessors, and evoke different moods. “Greg Chambers” is available on Amazon.com, CDBaby, and iTunes.
Greg is an endorsed Artist of Conn-Selmer, Inc.
His sensitive handling of the stunningly beautiful ‘Try Again’ is really quite special while ‘Ocean View’ (which incidentally is the first single to be serviced to radio) makes an early nod to classical undertones before luxuriating in a rock steady beat that still affords Chambers adequate room to experiment. Elsewhere the paradox that is Greg Chambers is further compounded the compelling techno vibe of the feisty ‘Sapphire’ which sits in magical contrast to Elliot’s ‘Sweet Dream’ that Chambers uses to tenderly tug at the heartstrings.
‘Interlude’ builds a mellow yet totally absorbing bridge to ‘Street Noise’ which for a player who does not routinely do funk comes pretty close. However, in doing so, the tune never looses the essence what Chambers playing is really all about and, although ‘Here With You’ proves to be a mellifluous charmer, he closes out this fine collection with ‘Studio 8’ where a thumping bass line and engagingly quirky production will live long in the memory.
Denis Poole- Smooth Jazz Therapy
The final work on the program, a suite from Prokofiev's ballet “Romeo and Juliet,” got stellar contributions from bassoonist Steven Dibner, clarinetist Joaquin Valdepeñas, saxophonist Gregory Chambers and hornists David Wakefield and John Zirbel. Conductor James DePreist brought tremendous verve to both of these works and got marvelous playing from the orchestra.
Harvey Steiman - Seen and Heard International Festival Review (Aug 6, 2007)
You have a wonderful sound and you definitely worked with a talented group of musicians on this record. It’s a terrific compilation of great songs. This cd is great to relax to, even in Atlanta traffic! The eleven song EP, City Lights, that you sent me was full of engaging melodies and wonderful instrumentation. There is a great blend of light, peaceful jazz that creates a wonderful listening experience for anyone. I really love your touching melodies and beautiful playing. These are definitely the type of songs that could generate a big stir on Jazz radio…
Megan Hill, Jazz A&R for Shut Eye Records & Agency
As a student of classical saxophone, a fan of Smooth Jazz and a “twenty-something” young adult, Greg Chambers has the ability to infuse his music with influences both new and old. The amalgamation of stimuli, ranging from Bach and Mozart to Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal, to Coldplay and Keane give Chambers an interesting perspective both as a songwriter and performer. On his debut recording, CITY LIGHTS, Chambers musically states that he is ready to take his place side by side with his mentors and influences…The album opens with the amiable “This Friday.” Chambers' sax and the acoustic guitar of Hide Mercury play off each other delightfully. The title track is a multi-layered journey that winds up and down a diverse variety of sensory paths. “Promenade” is playful and witty, with a melody that will remain etched in your mind. While only his first outing as a recording artist, CITY LIGHTS holds the promise of a long musical career ahead for Greg Chambers.
Beth Lewis - SmoothJazz.com
First of all, I listened to your mp3's - many times. You are definitely in the league with the Chris Botti's and A class musicians. You are the real deal.
Georgette Lebitty, Exec. VP of Promise Communications, NY and LA
Greg Chambers- 2011
City Lights- 2006
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Livermore, CA
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Current Private Teaching:
C&L Music, Fremont, CA (2012-present): Monday, Tuesday
Musicland, Fremont, CA (2011-present): Wednesday, Thursday
Musicland, San Ramon, CA (2011-present): Friday
ABC Music, Livermore, CA (2012-present): Sunday
ABC Music Elementary Band Director (2012-present)
Previous Teaching:
Band Teacher, Hogan High School, Vallejo, CA (2009-2011)
Graduate TA, UCLA (Woodwinds Fundamentals Classes), (2006-2008)
Yanigasawa 880 Tenor
Selmer Series III Soprano
Jazz Setup: Beechler Bellite 7 and Fibracell Reeds
Classical Setup: Selmer S-90, Vandoren #3 (Blue Box)
