New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Ken's repertoire spans the Great American Songbook, including such legendary composers as Harold Arlen,
George Gershwin,
Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harry Warren, Cole Porter, Vernon Duke, Richard Rodgers, and Stephen Sondheim; also performs great jazz composers such as Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Dave Frishberg, Sammy Cahn, Antonio
Carlos Jobim, and Alec Wilder. Another important influence is vocalist Judy Garland. "…she had an uncanny ability to musically shape a song while acting and telling a story," remarked Ken.
He sang with the Barry Levitt Trio at Iridium and at Birdland with Jim Caruso's Cast Party. Other top New York City venues where Ken performs his celebrated shows include: Somethin' Jazz, the Laurie Beechman Theatre and Café Noctambulo. Ken recently hosted, performed and produced a highly praised show at the renowned Joe's Pub at the Public Theatre, NYC, benefiting the New Alternatives organization for homeless and at risk teens.
Ken's theatrical history encompassed talent as a dancer, actor and singer, performing in national companies of Singing in the Rain, played Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street and portrayed Luther Billis in South Pacific. His acting opposite Nancy Kulp in Busybody a highly- acclaimed English murder mystery comedy,
Having made his solo debut as a vocalist in Don't Tell Mama with his hit program "Who the Hell is Harold Arlen?" "I found the jazz world stimulating in a very different way from my classical and theatrical roots," remarked Ken.
Since Ken's talent lends itself to so many variables of presentation and configurations that he looks to jazz clubs, nightclubs, cabarets, libraries, hotels, resorts, fundraisers, universities, embassies and corporate events to garner stages.
Ken's last CD "Night People," a sophisticated, hip concept album with
Frank Sinatra and Tony
Bennett inspired influences from the '50 and '60s.
In addition, his other highly praised CDs include: "Vintage & Rare: The Songs of Harold Arlen Volume One," (Volume Two is to be released on June 12, 2018). His first CD, the romantic "The Face of My Love," portrays the many facets of love with Ken singing in his most intimate quality. Ken recently recorded "So It's Spring," inspired along the style lines of Bill Evans and Tony Bennett.
He is currently working on two new shows: "A
Collective Cy: The
Music of Cy Coleman" and "Duke-ing It Out: The Songs of Vernon Duke and Duke Ellington." Ken continues writing his own compositions that will be included in future shows and recordings.
To purchase and to learn more go to https://www.kengreves.com and be sure to check out the feature of Ken Greves "Vintage & Rare: The Songs of Harold Arlen Volume Two" on The Jazz Network Worldwide at https://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com.
You can see Ken's live performance of Arlen's songs from the CD on June 12, 2018 starting at 7:00 pm EST on https://www.facebook.com/KenGrevesFanPage/ and in three parts on Stageit.com
