Jazz Articles about Greg Vail

Norman Brown: Let's Get Away

by La-Faithia White
October 22, 2023

Norman Brown is an American smooth jazz guitarist and singer. Brown's style is contemporary, with a soul-jazz rhythmic storytelling vibe. His interest in guitar began at age eight, after discovering his brother's acoustic six-string. Brown's own take on the perfect getaway involves “a joyful and peaceful mental state, surrounded by companionship in an atmosphere of inspiration and beauty that is illustrated by the colors of nature." Each song delivers the genius of Brown's playing while giving attention to the fusion ...

Saxman Greg Vail: The Gospel Truth

by Dave Hughes
November 1, 2001

Saxman Greg Vail’s newest offering The Gospel Truth is, as its title suggests, rich with the influence of church music, while occasionally sporting funky soulfulness in varying degrees. The opener finds Vail’s saxophones in R&B mode, framed by a gospel choir. Vail’s rich tenor recalls Gato Barbieri on the Coster/Santana tune “Europa,” expressing all of the tune’s inherent soulful grandeur.

The remainder of the program is performed only by Vail on saxophones and Rob Mullins on keyboards and programming. Seven ...