This week we feature Canadian jazz guitarist Warren Greig.

Every once and a while I come across a polished and accomplished guitar player who has spent his musical career out of the mainstream, working as a sideman for others, or tucked away in a remote part of the country. This is the case with Warren Greig, hidden away up in Canada. Well, perhaps he isn't that remote, as he has played at Jazz venues such as the Rex Hotel, The Montreal Bistro and all the major hotels in Toronto in duos, trios, quartets and Big Bands, and has performed in the Toronto Jazz Festival and The Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival. However as far as the rest of the world is concerned, this Ontario guitarist has finally emerged with a brand new website and a new CD due in October (titled the The Warren Greig Trio) that features 3 of his own original compositions.

Warren Greig is a fine jazz guitarist and a bright rising star in the Canadian jazz scene. I expect we will hear more from him in the future.

Online Bio

Warren Greig was born in Willowdale, Ontario and was introduced to the guitar by his father and uncles who played country and western music. After the family moved to Thornhill, Warren began his music studies at Thornlea Secondary School. The music program was headed by Ellis McLintock who had led one of Canada's most successful big bands in the 1950's and performed as the principle trumpet player for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Under Ellis McLintock, Warren learned the principles of theory, sight reading and played saxophone in the school's jazz ensemble. On the recommendation of Ellis, Warren began taking lessons with Tony Bradan who had taught many of Canada's finest guitarist. Privately, Warren studied guitar with various teachers and was exposed to the basics of jazz improvisation.

Upon graduating from high school, Warren was accepted at Humber College as a guitar major and studied with Art DeVillier and Peter Harris. In addition to the study of guitar, Warren took arranging with Ron Collier who had been a collaborator of Duke Ellington.

In 1980 Warren moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where he continued his studies with Tony Bradan and later attended Vancouver College. While attending Vancouver college Warren studied guitar with Bruce Clausen and played in a big band under David Branter. Jazz pianist Elmer Gill who had played with Lionel Hampton and Eddie Lockjaw Davis was on the faculty and oversaw the Jazz Combo Workshops. During this period Warren was influenced by Joe Pass and was able to attend one of his workshops.

In 1984 Warren studied with one of Canada's finest jazz guitarists, Oliver Gannon. During the years that he resided in Vancouver, Warren performed with various Jazz Ensembles including the Capilano College Big Band under the direction of Fred Stride and a small group that featured New York-based Saxophonist Michael Blake.

In 1985, Warren returned to Toronto and played in the University of Toronto Big Band under the direction of Phil Nimmons. During the past several years Warren has played and recorded with several ensembles and performed at many local jazz festivals.

At present, Warren resides in Etobicoke, Ontario with wife Anna and daughter Melissa.

Warren Greig's website: http://warrengreig.com/

Doc Dosco is a jazz guitarist, composer and audio consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. His website is located at http://www.docdosco.com, where you can find more information on the 'What's Hot with Jazz Guitar' columns, audio clips of Doc's playing, and many additional features. Doc endorses Heritage Guitars and is a featured artist on their website. He also endorses the new Pignose Valve Tube Amps -- great for jazz (and anything else!)