BIOGRAPHY

GENRE: BLUES/AMERICAN ROOTS

"I had the pleasure of playing with Marty in my band in the old days. I hired him to play sax, but he ended up playing sax, Hammond, and guitar. He is astonishing on all those instruments. Also, he has the soul of an angel in his singing voice. This is his second solo album and I'm quite sure you will love it as much as I do. This is a premiere event for your listening pleasure. Enjoy yourself!" -Leon Russell

Those are big words, but on High Steppin' Marty Grebb lives up to every one of those words. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, music was a vital part of the Grebb household. His father was a respected sax player, and his brother had quite the reputation on the guitar.

Those influences (along with acts such as Russell, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Levon Helm - all whom Grebb has played with) all come to the forefront of High Steppin', which is, Grebb's second solo album - in a career that spans close to six decades.

Take, for instance, the opening "Heartbreaker." The song sounds like something you might have heard on the radio in the 50s and 60s in Chicago...or Memphis...or any number of cities with classic R&B radio stations and disc jockeys. Speaking of the "Bluff City," a performance like "Can't Get You Our Of My Mind" sounds as it could have been recorded at McLemore Avenue in Memphis back in the 60s. Of course, that's the location of the legendary Stax Records. The same could be said of the old-school swagger of "One Night," as well.

But, High Steppin' is not a retro album, nor is it a museum. This music lives, breathes, and kicks into the stratosphere. Performances such as "Dem Dat Know" and "Tulsa Town" are very reminiscent of sounds of old, but one could also say they could serve as an education of sorts to the younger demographics how good music is when it is done right!

Grebb sought to better himself as a musician by playing in several bands as a teen - including one with high school classmate (and future Chicago lead singer) Peter Cetera. They were signed to Vee-Jay Records when Grebb was 16.

After graduation from high school, he attended the American Conservatory of Music. Once there, he became enamored with the guitar - showing the influence that his brother Bob had on him. That decision proved to be a fruitful one, as Grebb's guitar licks have been an important part of such artists’ records as Leon Russell and Bonnie Raitt. Russell heaped some lavish praise on Grebb when he told him: "You are the best rhythm guitarist I have ever had in any of my bands."

Grebb was also a member of the Buckinghams, who enjoyed several hits on the charts in the late 60s, notching several hits for Columbia Records.

With all of this going on, Grebb made appearances on some of the top TV programs of the day, including CBS's The Ed Sullivan Show. He furthered his musical career in the 1970s with stints in the band Lovecraft, as well as the Fabulous Rhinestones. He played with many of the top artists of the day, such as Willie Nelson, Joe Walsh, and shared the stage with John Lennon in one of his first post-Beatles performances.

Some of other credits include Eric Clapton, Rosanne Cash, and the legendary Memphis Horns. His unique musical style comes across on cuts such as the tingling title cut, as well as the cool and funky "Walkin' The Dog," which is one of the highlights of the disc.

High Steppin' is Marty's first album in over a decade, and a welcome one among his very loyal fans and associates. Critics have been raving about the album since its release. BabySue.com says: "This guy is damn good at everything he does...from writing to playing to singing. Grebb is the real deal."

It's hard to disagree with those sentiments, especially when his contemporaries like Bonnie Raitt and Leon Russell have such glowing comments about him:

"Marty has always been one of the most talented, soulful and versatile artists I know. From our years playing together in my band, to his broad history playing on his own and with many of the greats, Marty is one of the very few musicians who can nail singing, keyboards, saxophone, guitar, bass, drums, songwriting and arranging with equal passion and authenticity. He's made another great, funky record in High Steppin'... terrific all the way around!" - Bonnie Raitt

It could take all day to describe Grebb's music, as it runs the gamut - stylistically and emotionally. But when you take a listen to a cut like the relaxing and laid back "Let The Butterfly Cross The Road," just kick back and take it for what it is. It's just good, period!

QUOTES

"This is the best album I have heard in over a decade, period!"

-STEVE KING--WGN Radio, Chicago

"Marty Grebb has a fine voice that speaks as an old friend. Every instrument on HIGH STEPPIN' is crafted in a natural, dedicated, fashionable manner. The styles presented here are all "official" and the charts are excellent. Marty speaks the language of the saxophone eloquently as did the great soloists through the past seventeen decades. Listening to his alto fills and solos I hear a contemporary player and a "now" sound. Listening to his tenor fills, solos, and compositions I hear messages from Ben, Coleman, Lester, Illinois J., Bud, Louis J., Cleanhead, Thin Man, Big Jay, Red P., Arnett, Joe H., Gatortail, Lockjaw, Maxwell, Sam The Man, Big Al, Fathead, Earl B., Sil, Lee, and Clifford. Imagine David Sanborn, David Koz, Grover Cleveland, Lenny Pickett, and Marty Grebb sitting with all of the above at a big round table. Buy it."

-GARTH HUDSON

"I had the pleasure of playing with Marty in my band in the old days. I hired him to play sax, but he ended up playing sax, Hammond, and guitar. He is astonishing on all those instruments. Also, he has the soul of an angel in his singing voice. This is his second solo album and I'm quite sure you will love it as much as I do. This is a premiere event for your listening pleasure. Enjoy yourself!"

-LEON RUSSELL

"Marty has always been one of the most talented, soulful and versatile artists I know. From our years playing together in my band, to his broad history playing on his own and with many of the greats, Marty is one of the very few musicians who can nail singing, keyboards, saxophone, guitar, bass, drums, songwriting and arranging with equal passion and authenticity. He's made another great, funky record in High Steppin'... terrific all the way around!"

-BONNIE RAITT

QUICK FACTS

GENRE: American Roots Music Derivative

• Produced and engineered his latest release, High Steppin', plays all of the instruments, and wrote the majority of the songs.
• Was signed to his first record deal at age 16.
• Early career included being in the band, Chicago.
• Had six Top Ten hit recordings, and three Top Twenty albums with the The Buckinghams.
• Recorded with Paul Butterfield, Joe Walsh, and David Sanborn.
• Backed up artists such as Jeff Beck, Steven Stills, Ted Nugent, and Todd Runngren.
• Has played with Bonnie Raitt, Leon Russell, Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Bonnie Bramlet, Willie Nelson, Etta James, Rick Danko, and Rosanne Cash.
• Performed on many of Bonnie Raitt's records including; Longing In Their Hearts, Road Tested, Fundamentals, and the classic Nick Of Time.
• Co-wrote with Levon Helm and was recorded by The Band.
• Co-produced the cult classic, Fabulous Rhinestones.
• Has co-written with Levon Helm, Daniel Moore, and Richard Manuel.
• Performed on Eric Clapton's album as well as did arranging.
• Has had guest appearances by Jim Keltner, Steve Cropper, Bonnie Raitt, and Taj Mahal on previous recordings.
• Has appeared on national and international television shows such as: The Ed Sullivan Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Tonight Show, The Jerry Lewis Show, Saturday Night Live, and The Merv Griffin Show.