Meet Gregg Wright, King of the Rockin' Blues

Gregg Wright is by no doubt the best guitar player that I have ever heard play. I first discovered Gregg Wright back in the 70's when I was young and hit all the clubs in town. I'm not sure at this point how we first "found" him, but I'm sure it had to have been from another friend or a friend of a friend. Regardless, we became a regular fan of very talented musician named Gregg Wright.

Back then (70's) Wright was impressive on guitar and gained a good following of fans. I know that every show we went to when Gregg Wright came back through town was packed to capacity. In the 70's Gregg Wright played a lot of rock. It was funky rock down to the core. After all, the 70's was the rock era and where it was all at.

What made Gregg Wright stand out was his love of the music he was playing. Let's just say he got into playing that guitar and loved pleasing the crowd. Wright first started playing the guitar in junior high school in Texas, where he lived. Wright's father was in the military and a move to Washington D.C. was the next city they would call home. Wright finished high school there and played in some local bands. From there, it was no looking back. Wright decided that music was what he wanted to do and set off to prove himself.

Back in the 70's Wright played from city to city, booking to booking and joint after joint. He wasn't a name that was well known as a rock star, master guitarist or musician. He was just a guy who traveled the United States doing what he loved to do-playing the guitar and singing.

Wright's first album titled "Kham Sin" was released in 1978. It was recorded at The Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, LA-my hometown. Kham Sin contained 7 original cuts that were all written and arranged by the man himself. Wright found many soul mates and fans in the southern states, where he played from gig to gig perfecting his talents.

"Kham Sin" is the root of who Gregg Wright is. It is also the title of his first album, yes I said album. We are talking the vinyl record era. You can feel the influence Wright had with Jimi Hendrix , his idol, on this album. I have one of the original vinyl copies of "Kham Sin" and treasure it and the music it contains. It reminds me of my youth, of a talented musician that we loved dearly back in the "good ole days" and also of just how far one can go when determined.

I found it quite amusing to look at the back cover of "Kham Sin" and read over the credits on the album. On bass and bass solos I found the name Randy Jackson. Another name struck a chord with me also, blues artist Luther Kent. Kent is credited for backup vocals on "Kham Sin".

I've already mentioned that Gregg Wright a master guitar player, but he also writes his own material and produces his own music. Wright is focusing on the "blues" these days. His latest CD came out last year and is titled "King of the Rockin' Blues." Wright has the perfect soulful voice to lend to the effort of putting up a solid performance that will rival any well known blues artist. Another words, he has the whole package.

I've been listening to "King of the Rockin' Blues" for about a week and a half now. I have it in my CD player in my car and have been playing and listening to it daily. This CD is one of the best blues albums on the market today. Wright delivers on vocals and guitar with a deep connection to his listeners.

Gregg Wright has come a long way since the 1970's. He's not playing in just a "hole in the wall juke joint" for a living anymore. He's crossed on over to a new era. Wright is now an A-list session guitarist who has played with the best in the industry. Wright has toured with Michael Jackson on his "Victory Tour," The Gap Band, Mick Fleetwood and many others. Wright has also opened shows for blues legends, such as Albert King and Freddie King.

Wright still has the magic touch that will keep you glued to every move he makes during a live performance. He's a lefty but can play the guitar upside down and even behind his back. He's mastered the guitar and becoming known as the "King of the Rockin' Blues" in the US and Europe.

Last year Gregg Wright was invited to participate in the 2009 Chicago Blues European Tour with Zac Harmon and Duinna Greenleaf. The tour lasted for six weeks playing in sold out venues and left Gregg with lots of new international fans who were mesmerized with his music.

This summer Wright will be touring Europe once again but as a solo artist. In July he is scheduled to make appearances at five different Blues Festivals. The tour schedule is listed below:

2010 European Tour Schedule

Friday, July 16, 2010-Abertillery Blues Festival, Mainstage Marquee, Abertillery Park, Abertillery, South Wales

Saturday, July 17,, 2010-Musofest in association with Worsop Carnival, "The Cars" showdown, Church Street, Warsop, Mansfield, Notts.

Sunday, July 18, 2010-Bath Jazz and Blues Festival, Green Park Station, Bath

Monday, July 19, 2010- The Famous Monday Blues Club, the Bullingdon, 162, Cowley Rd., Oxford, Oxon

Friday, July 23, 2010- Maryport Blues Festival, Main Stage Marquee, Maryport, Cumbria

To learn more about this talented artist and to hear some clips of his music visit his website at Gregg Wright.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Gregg Wright

Movin Music UK Gregg Wright