Biography

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Biography

Warren Greig was born in Willowdale, Ontario and was introduced to the guitar by his father and uncles who played country and western music. After the family moved to Thornhill, Warren began his music studies at Thornlea Secondary School. The music program was headed by Ellis McLintock who had led one of Canada's most successful big bands in the 1950's and performed as the principle trumpet player for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Under Ellis McLintock, Warren learned the principles of theory, sight reading and played saxophone in the school's jazz ensemble. On the recommendation of Ellis, Warren began taking lessons with Tony Bradan who had taught many of Canada's finest guitarist. Privately, Warren studied guitar with various teachers and was exposed to the basics of jazz improvisation.

Upon graduating from high school, Warren was accepted at Humber College as a guitar major and studied with Art DeVillier and Peter Harris. In addition to the study of guitar, Warren took arranging with Ron Collier who had been a collaborator of Duke Ellington.

In 1980 Warren moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where he continued his studies with Tony Bradan and later attended Vancouver College. While attending Vancouver college Warren studied guitar with Bruce Clausen and played in a big band under David Branter. Jazz pianist Elmer Gill who had played with Lionel Hampton and Eddie Lockjaw Davis was on the faculty and oversaw the Jazz Combo Workshops. During this period Warren was influenced by Joe Pass and was able to attend one of his workshops.

In 1984 Warren studied with one of Canada's finest jazz guitarists, Oliver Gannon. During the years that he resided in Vancouver, Warren performed with various Jazz Ensembles including the Capilano College Big Band under the direction of Fred Stride and a small group that featured New York-based Saxophonist Michael Blake.

In 1985, Warren returned to Toronto and played in the University of Toronto Big Band under the direction of Phil Nimmons. During the past several years Warren has played and recorded with several ensembles and performed at many local jazz festivals.

At present, Warren resides in Mississauga (Streetsville), Ontario with wife Anna and daughter Melissa.