Greg Starr
Corvallis, OR, UNITED STATES
Official WebsiteFacebookSpotifyFrom a lineage of pianists that goes back to Beethoven, as the transcriber (commercial music print release) for Milli Vanilli’s infamous debut album, having worked with Fred Rogers (yes, MR. ROGERS!), having performed on stage with Steve Allen, as a founding member of the underground cult band The Rakes, Greg Starr has had a music career filled with grand adventure.
Greg has enjoyed a long career in music production, writing and producing music for numerous clients including Wisconsin Public Television, Milwaukee Children’s Theater, the Library Of Congress, Lutheran Brotherhood, and Hal Leonard Corporation.
In 2006, he released his debut CD “Landscapes” to critical acclaim.
Pete Havey, Program Director for the Mystic Soundscapes Internet Radio Network said “…your debut CD ‘Landscapes‘ – sounds fantastic!”
Bob Dahl, Whisperings Solo Piano Radio artist said “… your music is awesome! … I’m your newest fan. It’s truly inspired work. I just love it!”
Bill Binkleman of Zone Music Reporter said:
…refreshing direct and honest… We’ll be lucky if we get to hear more from him.
Released in 2012, “A Singular Point Of Grace: songs from the guesthouse” is an album of original music for solo piano.
Kathy Parsons of MainlyPiano,com says:
“…composed with an abundance of grace and charm…played with heartfelt expression and sincerity…from somewhere deep within!”
Donovan Johnson, founder of Enlightened Piano Radio says:
“… a heartfelt quality that is universal… I applaude him for his efforts.”
His performance credits include numerous solo and ensemble performances, including the Northwest Chamber Orchestra (Bach f-minor Keyboard Concerto), Orchestra of Central Washington University (Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No.2 in g minor), the Kenosha Symphony, Michael Drake and the No Tan Lines Band, Milwaukee Opera Company, Milwaukee Musical Theatre, Mr. Steve Allen, and numerous commercial pop and rock bands.
He is a former editor in the Keyboard Product Development Department at Hal Leonard Corporation, where he authored books, articles, and music arrangements for commercial publication. He is the owner of Quiet Rain Music, a boutique producer of solo piano and electronic music recordings.
Greg received his M.M. in Piano Performance from Central Washington University, where he also earned undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Music Theory/Composition. His piano instructors have included Lockrem Johnson (a Guggenheim Fellow in Composition), Dr. Donald Chan, Tim Strong (a Cliburn Piano competitor), Dr. John Salmon (winner of several international piano competitions), and Dr. Bonnie Bricker-Smith.v
Albums
“Time Present and Time Past” reviewed by Pam Asberry
Pianist and composer Greg Starr has enjoyed an illustrious career in music, working with such clients as Wisconsin Public Television, Milwaukee Children’s Theater, the Library Of Congress, and Hal Leonard Corporation and such artists as Milli Vanilli, Steve Allen, The Rakes, and Fred Rogers. Starr’s first release since the2012 album “A Singular Point of Grace,” the EP “Time Present, Time Past” is an intimate collection of works created over the past several years. Accompanying liner notes contain inspiring quotes and short descriptions of each piece.
“When Dreams Take Flight” is a sunny, cheerful celebration, opening joyfully in the middle register of the piano with a persistent, syncopated rhythm, then transitioning into a minor key in the middle – perhaps a reflection of the feelings of discouragement we experience when life throws challenges at our dreams – and then returning to expansive opening theme. “The Waiting” is very free flowing, with lots of spaces between the sounds and phrases; although the music is tinged with sadness, there is also a certain warmth and optimism woven throughout. “The Front Porch” incorporates Floyd Cramer’s “slip note” technique, lending it a warm and nostalgic country feeling. This took me back to warm summer evenings sitting on my grandmother’s front porch, breathing deeply of the fragrances of her flower-filled garden glittering with fireflies. The mood shifts dramatically with “We Sit in Silence,” a dark and dissonant utterance of melancholy and mourning. “Departure Gate, C17” is a stirring expression of the jumble of feelings a traveler experiences – excitement about the journey ahead suffused with sorrow over leaving loved ones behind.
Passionate and evocative, “Time Present, Time Past” is a delight from start to finish. Very highly recommended!
“Cantum Laudus” reviewed by Darla Bower
Greg Starr has a varied and interesting background in music, from transcribing the debut album of Milli Vanilli (the once famous lip-syncing duo) to working with Mr. Rogers, one of my childhood favorites. Cantum Laudus is a collection of fourteen interpretations of hymns and songs of praise dating from the middle ages to the early 20th Century. I admire the fact that several lesser known hymns are also included. I think it’s important to note that the artist’s goal for the album was to focus on the musical content of each hymn and allow that content to dictate the arrangement. Every arrangement was done extemporaneously which requires the skill and dedication of a talented artist. The cover boasts a beautiful photo of a stained glass window that resides in the Valley Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, AZ by artist Robert McCall. This stunning photo was taken by David Scott Allen. The cover lends to the mystery of a Divine encounter that is artistically and thoughtfully proclaimed in each arrangement. Many of these tracks are recognizable interpretations of hymns such as Jesus Loves Me. The Latin phrase cantum laudus means “songs of praise.” So with this album we can join in the praise.
The album begins with Royal Oak, a sweet melody that beckons you to listen further. Royal Oak is a 17th century melody presumably named for a tree at Bosocobel, Shropshire, England. As the title implies it leaves an impression of royalty being revealed with its stately and strong melody. Greg’s interpretation of this melody conveys the message of royalty and is a great way to herald the beginning journey through praise. Duke Street is one of my absolute favorites on the album. This may be known to some by the titles Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun or I Know That My Redeemer Lives. (Throughout the album, track titles are tune titles and not text titles. Different church denominations often have different texts set to the same hymn tunes.) Over twenty hymn texts have been set to this tune. I absolutely love the repeating pattern in the left hand that is woven throughout this arrangement. Also loved the gentle flow of the ending. This is a wonderful and a lesser known hymn in my opinion. Thank you for the reminder of this lovely melody.
My other favorite on the album was the hymn Nicaea -or better known to me as Holy, Holy, Holy. My experience with this hymn relates to the ending of religious gatherings proclaiming a paraphrase of scriptures from Revelation 4:1-11. The melodic interpretation of this song is both confidently and quietly pleasing with a gentle crescendo every now and then. I can almost picture the scene that is relayed in both melody and words described in the book of Revelation. This song made me reminisce of days gone by of religious service experiences.
My final selection is Wondrous Love or known as What Wonderous Love Is This? An emotion evoking American Folk hymn that is absolutely gorgeous, giving goose-bumps while listening. This hymn pulls the listener in with its mystical melody and reverent reflection that can be felt in each note and phrase. Wondrous Love is hauntingly beautiful and ended up being my favorite on the whole album! The combination of sadness and joy speaks to the listener with a lilting promise of Divine love. Glad it was included on this delightful album.
Cantum Laudus promises and delivers to the listener a sacred journey of timeless spiritual praise and reflection. A welcome addition to my collection, I found myself listening to it while reading or studying. For more information on this talented artist be sure to visit: www.gregstarrmusic.com. I highly recommend this album. It will be available for purchase on: iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.