About Greg Packham

Born in Chicago to Canadian parents and raised in Southern California, Greg began guitar lessons at Ernie Ball Guitars in Tarzana when he was 6. He formed his first band at 10 playing school dances, talent shows, house parties and more. Greg would go to famous clubs on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles with his older sister to see and hear many stellar area groups. 

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Greg moved to Seattle when he was 14 where he formed his next group which performed at various venues all around the region. At that time he had the opportunity to study with guitarist Attila Zoller. This experience was highly  influential to his development as a musician and guitarist. 

Moving to the East Coast at 17, Greg spent countless hours in New York City downtown clubs, particularly the Village Vanguard. There he met many great musicians and played with such notables as Jackie and Rene McLean, Ed Blackwell, and Walter Bishop Jr. But the most important playing opportunity was with the legendary drummer Elvin Jones. Out of that relationship came Greg Packham Group's album "Into the Frying Pan" recorded with Elvin at the highly acclaimed and famous Van Gelder Studio. 

Greg's First album "Action-Reaction" on Stash Records sold well around the world, getting positive reviews. This album was also recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in Van Gelder Studio. With liner notes and assistance by Jackie McLean. Continuing his musical studies, Greg took lessons with guitarist Sal Salvador for 5 years, and also pianist John Mehegan. 

Greg is fluid in many genres of music, and also plays and records on Bass, Drums, B-3 Organ and Keyboard. He has many recordings as a sideman. A prolific composer, Greg has written nearly 1,000 songs for his group with new ones coming more than once a week.