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Greg is a native to Salt
Lake City, Utah and earned his BA in Music from the University of
Utah in 1996. In 2002, he graduated from The New England
Conservatory in Boston where he received his
Master of Music (Jazz Performance)
under the instruction of virtuoso tenor saxophonist, Jerry Bergonzi.
While in Boston (at NEC), Greg studied with several of the
industry’s long time giants (Cecil McBee, Allan Chase, Mulgrew
Miller, George Russell, and played lead alto in the Bob Brookmeyer
Big Band) while simultaneously performing with the outstanding
up-and-coming voices in jazz. In December 2002 Greg was a featured
soloist with the BostonPops under the direction of the legendary
John Williams.
Greg’s outstanding jazz performances have delighted jazz enthusiasts
literally all over the world. His performances at the Montreaux Jazz
Festival in Switzerland, various locations in France, coupled with
his cruise ship “around-the-world” voyage, exposed his extraordinary
talent to an international audience. In February 2001, Greg was the
featured guest soloist with the great Billy Taylor and his trio on
Billy Taylor’s “Live at the Kennedy Center” radio program, a
performance that was broadcast on National Public Radio.
Greg has two solo CD’s with his group “The Greg Floor Quintet”. The
first, “The Grand Inquisitor” (1997,
Four Floors Productions),
features Los Angeles pianist Tom Garvin, debut’s Greg’s talent in
composition, and has received national airplay. The most recent
recording, “Uphill…Both Ways” (2002,
Four Floors Productions)
received great reviews. Both recordings feature Greg’s synthesis of
his ethnic Greek heritage with traditional jazz resulting in an
exciting fusion similar to that of Latin Jazz. Greg is currently
working on his third solo CD which he hopes to release at this
year’s festival. Greg is included on several other recordings as a
guest soloist or sideman.
Greg works often with the Utah Symphony and the Boston Pops,
performs yearly at the Teton Village Music Festival in Jackson Hole,
Wyoming, is a regularly featured soloist with the Salt Lake City
Jazz Orchestra, and was spotlighted with his quintet at the Park
City International Jazz Festival. He has backed many jazz artists
and entertainers to include Nancy Wilson, Phil Woods, Eddie Daniels,
Maureen McGovern, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, The Four Tops, Ray
Brown, and many more.
Greg directed the University of Utah Jazz Ensemble #1 in 1999 and
enjoys teaching privately on the side. He teaches jazz theory and
improvisation lessons for all instruments and combines clinics with
his concerts when performing at high schools and colleges.
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