PROGRAMS:
Since 1989, Gregg Gelb and his BIG sounding swing band of eight has played to the enjoyment of concert, dance and school audiences throughout North Carolina. Saxophonist, clarinetist and arranger, Gregg Gelb leads this unique group that features the swinging vocalist, Kathy Gelb. Gregg is winner of the 1997 Jazz Composers Fellowship and his arrangements of tunes by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and many other jazz greats, plus his own tunes gives this band it's original sound. Two quotes by Owen Cordle, Jazz Reviewer for The News and Observer, Raleigh, NC and Jazz Times, best describe this band, "Gelb's knowledgeable in-depth writing makes the unit sound larger than it is, a feat assisted by the bold entrances, maturity and expert musicianship of the players." And, "Authentic Swing ---- The Gelb band, a Triangle mainstay for over 14 years, is authentic, varied, and substantive, the size of the group is small, but with a huge sound, you would think you were hearing an 18-piece big band." The band has recorded four CDs along with one WUNC-TV special with the North Carolina Symphony. The band recently recorded 14 new arrangements by Gelb of classic swing era tunes that provide the soundtrack for the documentary film "WAR ZONE" which was also broadcast on WUNC-TV.
WEDDINGS, SWING DANCES and PARTIES
The majority of the Swing Band's music is swing, ballads, and jazz standards featuring vocalist Kathy Gelb as well as instrumentals. We also have additional dance repertoire from the soul, rhythm and blues, and Latin songbooks. Contact Gregg for more information, requests and pricing.
The Quintet includes Gregg and Kathy Gelb plus piano, bass and drums. The group's repertoire includes jazz and big band standards plus early and modern jazz tunes. From whispering, soft jazz to shouting Blues, this group can provide good music for most any occasion. The Quintet is also a popular choice for weddings, parties and concerts
The eight-piece Gregg Gelb Band, with an additional percussionist, ventures into the world of Latin Jazz. Gelb's arrangements of popular Latin Jazz tunes such as Manteca, St. Thomas, Mambo Jambo, and One Mint Julep are great for listening and dancing. (Photo: Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, June 2004)
Kathy Silbiger,Executive Director of Duke University Performances, writes: "Gregg Gelb's latest venture into Latin jazz - Excursion - had a large crowd at Duke Gardens enthralled and energized last Friday night....." Read the whole review here
GREGG GELB provides the following school performances:
SCHOOL CONCERTS
Any of the above performing groups conduct entertaining and informative programs for students of any age; K-12 and college. During our performance, our narration includes historical notes about the music and musicians we perform plus we point out and demonstrate the important techniques and characteristics of jazz. We play tunes from the different eras of jazz: EARLY JAZZ (1920's), SWING (1930's - 40's), BEBOP (1945 - 55), and MODERN STYLES (1955 - present).
"The Gelb program not only informed the 1200 students about the history of jazz, but built a genuine appreciation and respect for our country's native art form and our region's top performers", Carolyn Leith, Cultural Enrichment Coordinator, Chapel Hill, 11/30/94.
MASTER CLASSES, IMPROVISATION AND INSTRUMENTAL WORKSHOPS
Jazz clinics and workshops for schools is a specialty of Gelb's bands. Many of the bands players teach at major universities (see bios) and love sharing their expertise with all ages of students. For more information, contact Gregg Gelb at gregg@gregggelb.com