By John "Koggie" Kotzian

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Greg Rapaport: Speaks The Wyrd

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Biography

Greg's most recent project entitled "Wyrd" is an eclectic mix of prog-metal, jazz, rock and funk. On the disc, Greg challenges himself by mixing jazzy chord progressions with aggressive metal. By implementing clean melodic lines and bursts of fiery technicality in his solos, he establishes the common thread that holds the music together.

A seasoned player of 25 years Greg has grown into a competent songwriter and soloist. His influences include Scott Henderson, Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe and Jimmy Page. Also influential in Greg's development is his work in area bands. Teaching part time has also helped widen his scope musically while providing many new and different musical perspectives.

Since investing in an in house project studio he has been able to write and record three solo projects. This allowed him to gain engineering and production knowledge which proved advantageous in making a quality recording. The first CD, Waiting for Darker Skies, is a combination vocal and instrumental project while Artifacts and Wyrd are both instrumentals.

Continuing to develop as a songwriter and musician through instruction and constant practice, Greg would like to record and release many interesting and musically diverse projects in the future.

Comments and Observations
Funky, Jazzy, Rockin' kick-ass instrumental composotions. Greg Rapaport's WYRD is a wonderfully eclectic album of guitar instrumentals for fans of the genre made famous by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Greg is a well rounded player with a sense of melody and the technical prowess to keep even the casual listener interested. If you're a fan of instrumental music, WYRD will not dissapoint you.

The Big Questions
As a part of this column, the bands featured are asked the same five questions. It's up to them to sell themselves and their music to would-be fans and record labels.

1.) How would you describe your music?
My music is a combination of progressive metal, and jazz/funk fusion. I like to use weird time signatures, polyrhythms and other progressive elements while maintaining a sense of groove and power. Groove is an essential ingredient in my music which I think it gives it a primal quality. Groove is cool.

2.) Why did you choose to play Progressive Rock, when Pop-Rock is so much more accessible?
I think someones' best playing and songwriting comes from what they experience and what they are truly made of. Challenging myself technically and emotionally in a musical context is the only way I can express myself in a truthful way. Also progressive music gives you a lot more freedom in compositional style as well. You shouldn't be limited in what instruments you use or how you use them when writing your own tunes.

3.) If someone were looking for new Progressive Rock Music, what would they find in your music that sets it apart?
I think the combination of elements that I use puts a stamp on my music. Also since my music is instrumental, I feel that the songs should give off a certain vibe to keep people interested. Whether it's darkly psychotic, aggressive or even humorous, all the elements, feel and technicality that make up the song should affect the listener emotionally. People should "feel" music as well as listen to it.

4.) Imagine I'm a major label representative. Explain why you think I should sign your band.
In the present state of the music industry getting a major label "deal" would be next to impossible for someone like me. This music is not radio friendly, nor would I want it to be. In saying that I would probably get little or no support from a major label. *steps up on soap box* I feel that it's important for the artist to maintain control of his/her music. When you sign a major label deal, you generally sign away your control. I think that an indie label that deals with progressive music or fusion exclusively would probably would be a better bet. The deal would be more "artist" oriented and the label could afford to develop a more exclusive relationship with that artist. Also chances are good they would have a good distribution channel to an audience who would be interested in this type of music. *steps off soapbox* With all that said I would have to hope that my music could hold its own and that they may see some potential.

5.) Where do you see yourself in five years.
I hope to legitimize myself as a guitar player by improving my weak points and by widening my scope of influence. I also want to continue writing challenging music that is both imaginative and thought provoking.

The Final Test
Ok people, it's up to you as the listener to say whether Greg Rapaport is worth your time and money. To check out his music go here.

Coda
To learn more about Greg, visit his website at http://www.gregrapaport.com