Phil DeGreg: Whirl Away

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: August 1, 2000

Pianist Phil DeGreg combines hot bop, the blues, and modal melodies on his second J Curve album. His modern mainstream approach to jazz emphasizes the lyrical side, while supplying lively rhythmic substance. DeGreg’s quintet moves from unison saxophone & guitar or unison piano & guitar to extended solo work, keeping each piece lively through syncopation and gentle surprises. Alternating the faster action with slower, piano trio ballads, DeGreg offers the best of both worlds.

In an interesting twist of fate, the title track for the pianist’s second J Curve album comes from an earlier time, when DeGreg was at the University of North Texas. "In A Whirl" was first recorded in 1982 with the school’s One O’clock Band. Today, he’s affiliated with a different school; DeGreg is Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. A talent deserving wider recognition, Phil DeGreg carries the mainstream jazz torch effectively and with sparks flying.

Track Listing: In a Whirl; Away and Alone; Blues on the Beach; I

Personnel: Phil DeGreg- piano; Don Braden- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone on "Gusting"; Randy Johnston- guitar; Bob Bodley- bass; Steve Davis- drums.

Record Label: J Curve Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream