Greg Tannen
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
When an artist's bio includes a phrase like "son of an amateur jazz pianist and the grandson of a magician," you know you're in for a ride. Greg Tannen, the descendant in the aforementioned quote, doesn't disappoint with Coney Island. This collection of gritty songwriter pop carries tinges of soul and old-time R&B with its rock leanings.
A previous DIY pick, Tannen's songs have been featured on Dawson's Creek, Party of Five and NPR's Here and Now, as well as winning their fair share of awards. With electrified tunes like "It's You" and "Coney Island, Mid-July," it's easy to see why.
Tannen's music is accessible and catchy as hell, but he's also incredibly perceptive in his concise and touching observations on the tiny moments that make life such a bittersweet little adventure. - Performing Songwriter Magazine
In a town full of aspiring singer-songwriters, Greg Tannen must be one of New York City's best kept secrets. His two previous releases, "Roam" and "Coney Island", were crammed with the kind of slick, acoustic laid-back folk pop that won him a string of prestigious songwriting awards and invited stylistic comparison with such luminaries as Jack Johnson.
Tannen's third solo effort, "Rocket" triumphantly carries on in the same vein, wrapping unforgettable melodies around his smooth, undeniably commercial vocals and a sharp, crisp production that belies its small budget. The immediate melody of jaunty opener “Something About October” gets the album off to a superb start, and the memorable “On a Holiday” is a glorious slice of summery pop.
“Things Don't Always Work Out” is a little more downbeat in tone, but still impresses with its haunting piano flourishes and yet another smooth hook line. The evocative “Beautiful Day” details the simple joy of seeing blue skies and sunshine, while “Save Us From the Light” demonstrates once again the diversity of Tannen's songwriting.
However, the outstanding moment of a stunning album is the quite brilliant “Somebody True”, which packs a real punch with its soulful vibe and accomplished musicianship.
"Rocket" is the work of a singer-songwriter at the peak of his creative talent, who on this evidence, should be aiming for the stars. - Ink19.com
Discography
Greg Tannen - Roam
Greg Tannen - Coney Island
Greg Tannen - Rocket
Greg Tannen - Maybe The Sun
- all albums on iTunes
Photos
Bio
Born in Australia, raised in Toronto and New York, briefly a resident in Colorado, Ohio, and North Carolina, Greg Tannen is the son of an amateur jazz pianist and the grandson of a magician.
His music has "won more awards than his website has space to list, such is it's quality" and with one listen it's easy to hear why. Besides a flood of wins in international songwriting competitions (John Lennon, UNISONG, USA, ISC), and in festivals (Sierra Songwriters, Telluride, Rocky Mountain Folks), Greg's music can be heard on national TV (Dawson's Creek, Party of Five, etc), on national radio (NPR), and in award-winning films.
He has also shared the stage with musical artists such as Rosanne Cash, the Weepies, and John Hammond.
He tours across the U.S. either solo or with his band, and was chosen three times as one of the "Top 12 Independent Albums" of the year by Performing Songwriter magazine.
Greg lives in and works out of NYC, and is a regular at places like the legendary Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, and Living Room.
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