Greg Serrato | en

When I first heard Greg Serrato on disk, I thought, "Uh-oh, another great guitar slinger who could be a SRV or Hendrix clone". But I was wrong. Greg has the depth and insight to make what he does emotionally powerful and remove it miles from clonedom.

He is a real natural. Someone said: "Anyone can practice guitar, learn some licks and make believe that they're an entertainer, but to be great at your instrument - to be able to walk out on any stage and immediately plug into the musicians who are playing, plug into the audience, then find your spot and be yourself - that is a real talent". And that is what Greg has.

The Southern CA's most talented blues musicians can play different styles of blues, however Greg's depth as a lead guitarist, singer and composer is revealed in his ability to change styles without ever losing his signature sound.

"Child of the blues", his first release with J-bird is a tasteful mix of contemporary blues with a touch of jazz influence. For his second release "Holly Smoke" Serrato presents 11 new original songs and offers a tasty variety of rockin' blues, funky grooves, Texas stroll and it also features some great instrumentals. The instrumental ballad 'Val' is a dense musical meditation that hypnotizes. It pulls and releases with a grand sweep of guitar virtuosity: truly a compelling composition. Serrato uses his good humored signature in songs like "Cadillac blues" or "Kids have the blues too". The Blues Access Magazine wrote " Rockin' Stratmaster Serrato gets the big sound on these 11 cuts, with organ and horn arrangements framing his fine guitar and vocals. The instrumental title cut will cause guitar slingers to holler "Holy Smokes.".

The latest and most excellent album is called "Like A Tornado" and is also released on J-Bird Records. Another smokin` CD from Greg Serrato!

A fan wrote me once regarding my tribute page to Serrato saying: "This guy is so good that he can't afford to be famous". I liked that one :)

Sylvain (Sly) Chartrand .