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Greg Pasenko

Owner of Blujazz Label and Promotions, Jazz Artists Survival Guide, Guitarist/Vocalist

About Me

Greg Pasenko has had a remarkable history in the world of music. While he is the founder and president of the successful alternative jazz record label, Blujazz US/Europe, co- owner of the French production company Plus Loin, he is also a dynamic vocalist and a master guitarist. He also lectures internationally on the business of jazz music and owns the “Jazz Artist's Survival Guide” blog.

He has played and led bands in the jazz, blues, and R&B scene throughout the world. After starting and closing the critically acclaimed nightclub Club Blujazz, he has started the Blujazz Mgt/Booking Agency and a Blog called The Jazz Artist's Survival Guide. • While on the road for 14 years, Greg lived and led bands in KC, LA, San Francisco, Denver, St. Louis, and Chicago with his groups headlining or sharing the bill with jazz artists like Ramsey Lewis, Eddy Jefferson, Maynard Ferguson, blues artists like Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, comedians such as Bob Hope and Henny Youngman, and Maury Amsterdam, and rock groups like Rush, Mountain, Greg Allman, and Blue Oyster Cult. This period also includes playing with Buddy Guy’s brother Phil Guy’s band, and playing for Chuck Berry. • Greg played in a duo with Bobby McFerrin (before Bobby’s recording career) with Bobby playing piano and Greg singing and playing guitar. • As a jazz producer he has 5 CDs to his credit, including one with George Mraz, Ed Thigpen, Frank Wess, and Lew Soloff. Others include jazz violinist Diane Delin, saxophonist Nick Bisesi, and The Mike Frost Project. He has partnered with the Planet Arts Label and promoted 2 Grammy nominated CDs for the famous Vanguard Orchestra. • He worked in the publishing dept. for United Artists Records in LA during the time Blue Note was part of UA while performing at Harry James’ drummer, Les DeMerle’s LA Cellar club, backing artists like Ritchie Cole, Eddie Jefferson, Alex Acuna, and more. While in LA he also toured and recorded with Mel Torme’s son Steve Torme playing many of the famous LA clubs during their “hey day” like the Whiskey, Roxy, and Troubadour. • Greg was a featured artist at the Signature Room Jazz Club on the 95th Floor of the John Hancock Building in Chicago for four years. • He has performed for President Clinton, Chicago Mayor Daley, and, 3 Illinois Governors, and many more major political figures.