Greg Winkler

Artist Information

Biography

Check out Greg's calendar at www.gregwinkler.com/calendar

Greg Winkler performs contemporary folk and pop music from upbeat and humorous songs to passionate ballads. Blending acoustic guitar and smooth vocals, Greg offers extraordinary songs about ordinary things.

“Greg’s amazing songwriting and direct delivery just constantly blows me away,” says Eric Hester, President of the Madison Songwriters’ Group.

Laugh A Little Larger, Greg’s third and most recent CD, shows his incredible versatility as a songwriter. From rompin’ Americana to lively folk pop to heart-wrenching ballads, Greg covers a wide spectrum on this effort. “That Thing In Reno” has a nothing-left-to-lose gambler pleading his case, while “Learning To Miss You” and “Drive By Love” serenade the listener about the good and the painful sides of love. The title track and “Still Ann” get the feet tapping to some feel-good pop. Already, several of these numbers have won songwriting honors at such esteemed festivals as the Minnesota Folk Festival and the Fondy Acoustic Music Alliance.

Road to Mountains, Greg’s second CD, includes the award-winning “Movin’ On” and has received radio play across the US. CD Street proclaims, “Great CD, wonderful voice, and great vibe.”

Raw Apples, Greg’s first CD, reminds the listener that the simple harmony of a voice and an acoustic guitar is often enough.

Winkler, who lives on the outskirts of Madison, Wisconsin, started his music career as a thirty-something Social Worker and has performed hundreds of times at dozens of venues and festivals around the Midwest and East Coast. He has organized many music events and is an active member of the Madison Songwriters’ Group.

Greg’s exposure through radio, the internet, and performances continue to reflect increasing support and interest across the US.

Instrumentation

Greg sings and plays the acoustic guitar. He generally performs solo and also performs with a four piece band when possible.

Discography

Laugh a Little Larger - 12 track CD released September 2005
Road To Mountains - 11 track CD released January 2003
Raw Apples - 9 track CD released December 2000
Madison Songwriters Compilation CDs - 2003 and 2005

Official Website

http://www.gregwinkler.com

Audio

• There's A Light
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• Cajun Education
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• Learning To Miss You
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Lyrics

• There's A Light
• Cajun Education

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Laugh A Little Larger Quote [+ Show ]
  

  "Few CDs can convey the wide range of emotions as "Laugh a Little Larger." From a quirky look at lif..."Few CDs can convey the wide range of emotions as "Laugh a Little Larger." From a quirky look at life in Reno, to a haunting look at an artist's life on the road, the release cements Greg Winkler as a leading singer-songwriter, much in the same vein as veterans Pierce Pettis and Tom Kimmel" - Barry Graham, Off The Shelf Program Host, WHRV
  

• Laugh A Little Larger Critic's Pick [+ Show ]
  

  Laugh A Little Larger is Greg Winkler's "new collection of infectious, endearing Americana..." He "....Laugh A Little Larger is Greg Winkler's "new collection of infectious, endearing Americana..." He "...shines brightest on sparse, haunting ballads like the mesmerizing 'Green Pickup Truck' and 'Leaving Virginia'.... Winkler's penchant for well-developed character studies is especially evident on full-band workouts like the wild-eyed 'Polestar' and the down-on-his-luck gambler in 'That Thing In Reno.'"
  

• From Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
  

  "I enjoyed it (the CD) very much. It has become a staple on my car stereo."

• Newspaper Article on CD Release show [+ Show ]
  

  Laugh A Little Larger is "...a mix of Winkler's clear vocal delivery with tasty backing instrumentat...Laugh A Little Larger is "...a mix of Winkler's clear vocal delivery with tasty backing instrumentation and rich harmonies."
  Winkler's style "...is reminiscent of such songwriters as John Gorka and David Wilcox." -Bill Livick

• Laugh A Little Larger Review [+ Show ]
  

  On his third album, Laugh a Little Larger, Winkler sounds better than ever…. There are some exceptio...On his third album, Laugh a Little Larger, Winkler sounds better than ever…. There are some exceptional tracks here, and the first three songs are among them. That Thing In Reno is a great bit of comic writing, and this campy, twangy rendition is a hoot. The mood turns tender on Learning to Miss You; the combination of Winkler's voice with Adams' gives me goosebumps. And Still Ann, co-written with Dale Kidd, is pure pop perfection. Its catchy tune and pithy story get lifted even higher by the dynamic, uptempo arrangement and sharp backing vocals.
  Simpler production works for several of the songs, including the eerie Green Pick Up Truck and Speak…. These quiet songs are a fine showcase for the acoustic guitar style and emotionally nuanced singing Winkler is known for.
  Polestar has a joyful sound and a message to "build a life upon your dreams." Other of Winkler's songs, on this record and elsewhere, deal with similar themes, but none so effectively. Another theme running through these songs is separation from loved ones. The final song on the album, Leaving Virginia, weaves these strands together in a satisfying way.
  Laugh a Little Larger is a … record, with a great sound and lots of interesting turns. Tuneful, lively and engaging, it's an impressive display of Winkler's talent as a performer. The album's smart arrangements and fine musicianship make it a natural for radio play as well. It should help Winkler's music find the large audience it deserves.
  

• Laugh A Little Larger Quote [+ Show ]
  

  Greg Winkler "walks in the steps of Peter Mayer but leans more toward the funny, lively side of thin...Greg Winkler "walks in the steps of Peter Mayer but leans more toward the funny, lively side of things."

• CD Release Show Review [+ Show ]
  

  "If you’re a fan of the singer/songwriter scene in the Madison area you will want to check out the n..."If you’re a fan of the singer/songwriter scene in the Madison area you will want to check out the new CD from Greg Winkler, Laugh a Little Larger."
  Winkler possesses "...that singular quality of being able to convey a song.... It’s his honest-to-goodness personality that makes him so endearing and this aspect comes through in performance as well as on his recordings." - Rick Tvedt, Rick's Cafe

• Road To Mountains Quote [+ Show ]
  

  His second CD, ‘Road to Mountains,” is serious folk music. But unlike those grave folkies heard on ...His second CD, ‘Road to Mountains,” is serious folk music. But unlike those grave folkies heard on public radio, Winkler doesn’t let the genre limit his musical style. In his song, ‘Cajun Education,’ Winkler channels a little bit of the Beastie Boys. But his songwriting talents and powerful voice shine best in songs such as ‘Road to Mountains’ and ‘Raise the Sail’ which are more in the traditional folk style - Cathy Idzerda - Janesville Gazette

• Road To Mountains Quote [+ Show ]
  

  Greg Winkler's ‘Road to Mountains’ is a telling snapshot of a man who writes, and sings, from a deep...Greg Winkler's ‘Road to Mountains’ is a telling snapshot of a man who writes, and sings, from a deep-down, earthy place…. It's an album that takes its sweet time, good for listening on a car trip on a sunny day…. Guitar work is tight, and his vocals are often hushed and beautiful…. (T)his album shows Winkler to be the awesome songwriter he is… - Madison Songwriter's Group B-Section

• Road To Mountains Quote [+ Show ]
  

  Lyrically the songs speak loudly of Greg’s passions and are filled with inspirational tones. The mel...Lyrically the songs speak loudly of Greg’s passions and are filled with inspirational tones. The melodies accompany the lyrics beautifully to really impact the listener and influence a peaceful sense of reality - Kristi Schuck - STATIC Magazine

Setlist

I have about 40 original tunes and 100 covers that I play on a regular basis. I especially love to play solo in a listening room atmosphere for a 90 minute show. But, in other settings, I do hour-long sets up to 3 or 4 hour shows depending on the needs of that venue on that day. Cover tunes reflect a well-received mix that range from Operator (Jim Croce) to Jambalaya (Hank Williams) to Mr Jones (Counting Crows) to Dust in the Wind (Kansas). Originals are mostly in a folk-pop style also.

Basic Requirements

Calendar