Oli Silk

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2022 Saturday, 7. May, 12:30 h

UK-Keyboardist Oli Silk is one of the most dynamic and energetic keyboardists in the genre. His unique mix of jazzy instrumentals, funky vocal cuts and down right dirty ol’ school keytar and vocoder, give his live shows that real wow factor and have garnered him a loyal and dedicated fan-base. Oli began writing and recording music as part of jazz funk duo ‘Sugar and Silk’ in the late 1990’s. Meanwhile, Oli has 5 CD’s to his name, including many chart topping radio singles. His credentials as a musical director are also far reaching, most notably for 4 years at the Dubai International Jazz Festival – overseeing some 30+ artists on the Jazz Garden Stage. When off stage, Oli is a sought-after smooth jazz producer, composer and mix engineer whose recent clients include keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Tim Watson, and saxophonist Michael J Thomas. Oli has also composed music for TV (Oprah Winfrey, MTV, Miami Ink).

Oli Silk | Artists

Keyboarder und Grammy-Gewinner Gregg Karukas stammt aus Baltimore. Bevor er den Jazz für sich entdeckte, spielte er in Rock- und Soulbands. Mit Anfang 20 gründete er die Band „Natural Bridge“, mit der er Shows für Künstler wie Angela Bofil, Larry Carlton oder Jeff Lorber eröffnete – Gregg war zu einem der TopFusion- und -Studio-Spieler der Stadt avanciert. 1983 zog er nach LA, wurde Gründungsmitglied der „Rippingtons“ und spielte überdies mit Musikern wie Rockwell, George Benson, Peter White, Rick Braun oder Patti Austin. In seinen frühen LA-Bands und CDs waren damals noch unentdeckte Sax-Talente wie Dave Koz oder Boney James mit von der Partie. 1987 kam sein erstes Solo-Album. Danach landete Gregg Hit auf Hit, war viel als Musical Director (u.a. Friends Cruise to Europe by Dave Koz) unterwegs, schreibt und produziert aber auch für andere Künstler. In seiner mehr als 25 Jahre langen Karriere ist er für die Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards schon oft als „Best Keyboardist“ nominiert worden. Greggs Markenzeichen: sein nuancierter funky-melodic Style, seine inspirierenden Auftritte und sein ansteckendes Lachen. Seine neueste CD „Serenata“ ist Greggs allererstes „Solo-Piano-Projekt“.

Gregg Karukas, o teclista galardoado com um Grammy, é natural de Baltimore. Antes do seu interesse em tocar jazz se manifestar, ele tocava órgão em bandas de rock e soul “Natural Bridge” e fizeram a primeira parte de espectáculos para artistas Angela Bofil, Larry Carlton ou Jeff Lorber – o Gregg tinha-se tornado um dos melhores músicos de fusão e estúdio da cidade. Em 1983 mudou-se para L.A., tornou-se membro fundador dos “The Rippingtons” e tocou com músicos como Rockwell, George Benson, Peter White, Rick Braun ou Patti Austin. As suas primeiras bandas em L.A. e CDs incluíram talentosos saxofonistas ainda desconhecidos como Dave Koz e Boney James. Em 1987 lançou o seu primeiro disco a solo. Muito requisitado como director musical (por exemplo, Friends Cruise to Europe por Dave Koz) e teclista, Gregg tem vinod a liderar as tabelas e tem escrito e produzido músicas para outros artistas. Numa carreira que se estende por mais de 25 anos, ele recebeu múltiplas nomeações para “melhor teclista” no Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards. A marca de Gregg: o seu estilo funky matizado e melódico, os seus espectáculos ao vivo inspiradores e o seu sorriso contagiante. O seu último CD “Serenata” é o primeiro projecto de piano a solo de sempre do Gregg.

Grammy winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas hails from Baltimore. Before his interest in playing jazz was sparked, he played organ in rock and soul bands. In his early 20ies, he formed the band “Natural Bridge” and they opened shows for artists such as Angela Bofil, Larry Carlton or Jeff Lorber – Gregg had become one of the top fusion and studio players in town. In 1983, he moved to L.A., became a founding member of “The Rippingtons”, and played with musicians such as Rockwell, George Benson, Peter White, Rick Braun or Patti Austin. His early L.A. bands and CD’s included young undiscovered sax talents like Dave Koz and Boney James. In 1987, he released his first independent recording. Always in demand as a musical director (e.g. Friends Cruise to Europe by Dave Koz) and keyboardist, Gregg has since then topped charts, and he has also written and produced songs for other artists. In a career, that spans more than 25 years, he has received multiple “Best Keyboardist” nominations at the Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards. Gregg’s trademarks: his nuanced funky, melodic style, his inspiring live shows and his contagious smile. His latest CD “Serenata” is Gregg’s first ever solo piano project.

Facts

13 solo albums | Grammy winner | No.1 hit, 3 Top10 hits and 2 Top10 albums at the Billboard jazz charts

Serenata (2021)

Soul Secrets (2014)

GK (2009)

Looking Up (2005)

Heatwave (2002)

Nightshift (2000)

Blue Touch (1998)

You’ll Know It’s Me (1995)

Home For The Holidays (1993)

Summerhouse (1993)

Sound Of Emotion (1991)

Key Witness (1991)

The Night Owl (1987) www.karukas.com