SCOTT YANOW

Review by Scott Yanow, an American jazz journalist, historian, author of 12 books about jazz, on the waltz-rag, a multi-genre composition by Gregory Golub.

GREGORY GOLUB RELEASES WALTZ-RAG, A PIECE FOR SOLO PIANO AND STRINGS THAT COVERS SEVERAL STYLES AND MOODS

 Gregory Golub can always be relied upon to record and perform music that is colorful, intriguing, memorable, and easily enjoyable.

 Born in the USSR, Gregory taught himself piano when he was 12, had a formal musical education, and early on successfully performed at a jazz festival in Russia before moving to Israel. He has since developed as a pianist, composer in a variety of genres, arranger, philosopher and poet. His earlier albums include Idioms and Jazz Aftertaste.

 His latest work, “Waltz-Rag,” has the pianist joined by a few strings for a memorable performance. The original, which has a haunting theme, begins as a pretty waltz before Gregory turns it into a ragtime stomp. When the strings enter, it becomes a ballad and also spends a period as a rollicking blues-based piece. The ensemble revisits the opening waltz and finally swings its way to the piece’s conclusion with a bright burst of ragtime.

 One of the most intriguing aspects to the performance is the way that “Waltz-Rag” shifts between a waltz, ragtime, and the blues while retaining the same theme throughout.

“Waltz-Rag” is just the latest accomplishment for Gregory Golub and one of the most fun.           

 In the near future the author is going to release a piano version of Waltz - Rag.

For more information about Gregory Golub and “Waltz-Rag,” he can be contacted at website  gregorygolub.com – Contact.