Beneath the streetlight, pianist Greg Burk and bassist Rodney Whitaker perform Whitaker’s “Visions of the Past” and a spirited take on Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce.” In conversation, they also explore their bond as musicians and friends, as well as the enduring spirit of jazz—captured in a setting as intimate as the music itself.
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Greg Burk | BIO
Born in Lansing, Michigan, pianist and composer Greg Burk grew up in a culturally diverse and musical household. His father, Dennis Burk, was an internationally active conductor and the son of Russian and Polish immigrants. Greg's mother, Giovanna Collonelli, moved from her native Italy to the U.S. in her 20's. They met in Milan where both were studying at La Scala.
Greg began studying piano at age six with his grandmother, Billie Endervelt, a classically trained pianist who accompanied silent movies in her youth. At 15, Greg discovered jazz and by 16 he was working professionally, playing solo piano gigs. Before leaving high school he performed at Down Beat Magazine’s Music Fest in Chicago where he was awarded outstanding soloist. Burk’s decision to become a professional musician was solidified as a teenager when friend and Detroit-based bassist Rodney Whittaker took him to hear and sit in with veteran jazz musicians and the talented younger players from the Motor City's fertile musical scene.
At 25, Greg moved to Boston and enrolled at New England Conservatory, where he earned a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies. After earning his Master's, Greg continued to live in Boston, teaching at Berklee College of Music and working as an in-demand sideman. He also joined the Either/Orchestra, with which he toured Europe, Africa and the U.S.A.
Greg Burk has been called "an exceptional pianist/composer," All Music Guide;" a pianist and composer with vigorous, freewheeling ideas that always feel grounded within a well reasoned structure," Boston Herald; a pianist with a gift for melody and a generous touch that makes you want to like him," LA Weekly; and “a musician that plays with an apparent love and passion for his craft," AllAboutJazz. He has appeared at Jazz at Lincoln Center (NYC), Ronnie Scotts (London), Blue Note (Milan), Regattabar (Boston), Porgy and Bess (Vienna), A Train (Berlin), Centro Cultural Belem (Lisbon), Duc de Lombards (Paris), Auditorium Parco della Musica (Rome).
Greg Burk | LINKS
Rodney Whitaker | BIO
Internationally renowned bassist and Origin Records recording artist Rodney Whitaker currently holds the titles of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty in the world. He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. He is also the Artistic Director of the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz, former Artistic Advisor of Jazz @ Wharton Center, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Orchestra and a former member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Whitaker received his first national recognition performing with the Harrison/Blanchard Quintet.
Building on his Detroit roots and enormous talent, Whitaker went on to earn an international reputation as one of the world’s finest jazz double bass performer. He completed a seven-year tenure as bassist with Wynton Marsalis’ Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. He has toured the world collaborating and performing with legendary jazz artists such as Jimmy Heath, Eric Reed, Cyrus Chestnut, Vanessa Rubin, Kathleen Battle, Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Donald Byrd, Branford Marsalis and many more.
Featured on more than 100+ recordings — from film to compact discs — Whitaker’s film scores, China, directed by Jeff Wray, was released on PBS Fall 2002 and Malaria and Malawi, released on PBS Fall 2010. Also, Whitaker has a DVD release featuring Michigan State University’s Jazz Department entitled, “Inside Jazz.”
Now based in East Lansing, Whitaker continues to serve many of the talented in the state of Michigan. His legacy of teaching promises to be distinguished with former students currently performing with jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Pat Matheny, The Count Basie Orchestra and Stephon Harris. Whitaker attended Wayne State University, studied with trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, bassists-Stephen Molina, Ralph Armstrong, the late Herbie Williams (trumpeter) and the late Robert Gladstone (bassist).
