Greg Koch – Blues
Greg Koch – Blues
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital
Label: Create Records
Release: 2024
Release date: November 29, 2024
Create Records is thrilled to announce the addition of Greg Koch to its roster. Devon Allman shares, “We are excited to sign Greg Koch to Create Records! He is loved and respected by rock stars and gear nerds worldwide, and we look forward to taking his recording career to new heights!” Greg adds, “Partnering up with Devon Allman and Create Records has me pumped. Devon’s belief in me as an artist and his broad vision for spreading the word far and wide really inspires me. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!”
Greg Koch is a dynamic force in the blues guitar scene, celebrated for his exceptional versatility and illustrious career that spans over three decades. Mentored by the extraordinary keyboardist Junior Brantley, Koch honed his craft through duo gigs as a teenager and collaborated with legendary Milwaukee harmonica greats Jim Liban and Steve Cohen.
He captured first prize in the 1989 Marshall Amplifier Bluesbreaker Guitar Showdown, judged by Buddy Guy, and has electrified audiences alongside icons like Lonnie Mack—who dubbed him “The Guitar Player from Hell”—and the late Danny Gatton, who praised his talent without reservation. A defining moment came when the great Albert King gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up after a festival performance in Milwaukee.
Now, with nearly two dozen albums and countless miles of touring under his belt, Koch has become a revered figure in the music world, particularly in the blues genre. His fans often ask which of his albums embodies the essence of the blues, a testament to the genre’s foundational role in his work. In his latest solo album, ‘Blues,’ he delivers an intimate homage to this great American art form. Partnering with Create Records, the indie label founded by fellow musician Devon Allman, Koch has curated a compilation showcasing the best of his 12-bar output, including two previously unreleased Muddy Waters covers that pay tribute to his influences. His journey into the blues began early, inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and the Kings—Albert, B.B., and Freddie. A memorable encounter with Waters backstage solidified his path: “I said, ‘This is for me,’” recalls Koch.
‘Blues’ features a collection of live recordings that capture the spontaneity of his guitar playing, with many tracks drawn from live performances and minimal studio overdubs. The album includes contributions from notable musicians such as Larry McCray and the iconic Memphis Horns, enhancing the two lead singles, “Can’t Be Satisfied” and “Can’t Lose What You Never Had” With this album, Koch finally answers his fans’ question: “To have this—a strict, 12-bar blues record—yes, I’m ready,” he says. “I’m really proud of this collection.”
Website: https://www.gregkoch.com/
Tracks:
01. Can’t Lose What You Never Had (feat. Jimmy Hall + Memphis Horns) *
02. Can’t Be Satisfied (feat. Larry McCray) *
03. The Stumble
04. Stormy Monday
05. Standing On Shakey Ground
06. Steppin’ Out
07. Red House
08. The Damn Thing
09. Chief’s Blues
10. The Ripper
11. Toby Arrives
12. The Love Contractor
13. Don’t Change Horses *
* Previously unreleased tracks