Greg is an extended range guitarist and bassist. His musical focus is a combination of instrumental progressive-metal and jazz-fusion. He currently teaches at U Music School in Peekskill NY. Living in Yorktown New York, he writes and records his own material and does production/engineering work for clients in his project studio.

Past:
Greg's biggest early influence was Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. Having received Led Zeppelin I and II from his father when he was only 9 years old, changed his life completely. The songwriting and production on these recordings started Greg on the journey he is currently on today. Greg's father owned a rock club in Stamford CT where Greg would meet his future and current teacher and now colleague, Lou Ubriaco. Lou, who at that point was a professional gigging musician and teacher gave Greg the foundation he would need to begin to understand the guitar and songwriting. After high school Greg stopped lessons and experimented with songwriting and recording on his own. Around this point music was not a top priority as other interests developed and responsibilities pushed music to the background. In his mid-twenties Greg felt the absence of music and became determined "get serious" about his playing. He was lucky enough, through serendipity, to find his former instructor, Lou Ubriaco, and began his studies again in earnest. At this point in time Greg began to focus on technique and music theory. His goal was to be able to play whatever he heard in his head. Greg also became enamored with recording technology and honed his craft through a lot of practical experience. In the late '90s Greg formed the original band Nero. Nero was able to put out one CD in 1999 called "Finally". After Nero parted ways Greg began recording his own material. Cutting his teeth on his first two recordings, "Waiting For Darker Skies", and "Artifacts", Greg finally decided to get serious and record his first "official" release "Wyrd".
Excerpts from "Wyrd" reviews below:

"I’m talking about Allan Holdsworth, Scott McGill, Scott Henderson or Pat Metheny. And keep on talking about Steve Howe, Greg Howe, Steve Morse, Roine Stolt or Jimmy Page... and like that we could go as far as the end of the sheet. What I’d like to tell you is that Greg Rapaport could be a name to add to this list."
- Jordy Costa, Progvisions

"Oh hell, let's not beat around the bush. This is great stuff. Head on over to Greg's website and buy this! NOW! Don't be like me and sit on it. But, for those who aren't convinced, you can hear clips of this album at his site, too. But you'll end up listening to them just to tide you over while you wait for the post office to deliver your package containing the real thing."
- Stephanie Sollow, Progressive World

"Greg Rapaport is yet another hybridized guitarist/multi-instrumentalist that is writing music that sets him far apart from the many guitar hero types out there. The fact there are some guitarists out there that are willing to dispose of their egomaniacal guitar solo type music, in favor of writing progressive, instrumental music, makes for much more interesting listening for fans of good music in general."
- MJ Brady - Prognosis

By 2003 Greg released his second CD entitled "Azrael Block". This recording pushed Rapaport to continue improving both as an engineer as well as a musician. He took what he learned from "Wyrd" and expanded on it. He focused on a more progressive and aggressive approach to his songwriting. He also sprinkled some humor throughout to keep things interesting and fun.
Excerpts from "Azrael Block" reviews below:

"The recording of this album is incredible, and if he wished he could probably do some producing and engineering in addition to his musical career. This album’s sound quality is better than many bands that I hear that are signed to labels! He says he has worked on Azrael Block for 2 years, and it has been time well spent. This album is a very well thought out, and very well executed work." - Progressive Ears

"After hearing AZRAEL BLOCK I was amazed that one mind had conceived, executed and created such a stunning piece of work. Something this great is usually the work of a team. Greg is obviously seasoned in all areas of the trade, a true consummate professional. This is the kind of do it yourself greatness that the Record Industry fears with it's cold heart. Right On Greg!! Power To The Musician!!" - The Guitarists

By this time Rapaport had started teaching guitar and bass at UMusic and acquired a sizeable roster of students. In 2006 Rapaport released his third and most ambitious work to that date, "Homunculus". He created the concept of linking his songs to different facets of the human psyche. He again took what he learned from his previous releases and applied it to this project. While again trying to raise the standards of his playing and songwriting. "Homunculus" would take 3 years to write and record.
Review excerpts below:

"All in all, if you're a fan of any blues, jazz, and rock/metal guitars, this is some inspiring music to listen to. It reminds me of Liquid Tension Experiment, Steve Vai, Rush, etc. There's just so much going in here, my brain waves are jumping all over the place. Buy Greg Rapaport." - Adrenaline Fanzine

"Hearing this album may be essential in understanding how instrumental guitar music can evolve as a music form: the contemporary definition of rock and roll." - Metal Haven

"Greg Rapaport is an American musician who comes from the underground scene of his country. Even if "Homunculus" is already his 4th piece of music, I cannot say, unfortunately, that I had the luck to hear something about him before. But this lack of recognition doesn't come from any lack of talent because Greg, you can trust me, is just an amazing guitarist and composer." - Metal Storm

After releasing "Homunculus" Greg was contacted by BHP Records to participate in three tribute CD's. Greg was lucky enough to put his own spin on the "Immigrant Song" for the "Get The Led Out" Led Zeppelin tribute. He also worked up an interpretation of Jeff Beck's "Led Boots" for "El Becko" and a version of "Fire" for the Jimi Hendrix tribute "Third Stone From The Sun". Greg also started filming videos for his "Betcha Can Play This" series. These videos offer a humorous way to learn some very approachable lines and ideas. This work and other circumstances led to an almost 6 year gap between releases. Finally in 2012 Rapaport released his new project "Sojourn".

Releases/Tributes:

Influences
A seasoned player of 30 years Greg has grown into a competent songwriter and soloist. His influences include Scott Henderson, Allan Holdsworth, Greg Howe and Jimmy Page. On bass Greg enjoys listening to Gary Willis, Jeff Berlin, Victor Wooten, Chris Squire and of course John Paul Jones. Also influential in Greg's development is his work in area bands. Teaching both guitar and bass has also helped widen his scope musically while providing many new and different musical perspectives.

Future
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.

©2001-2016 Greg Rapaport/Splinterhead Productions Inc.