1936. A year that will go down in infamy. It created a combination of important grooves which are the DEEPEST ROOTS OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL. Understanding the era is important, and so are the nuances of the music, which Gresik is adept at.
“Notation interpretation is the key. Many big bands don’t use this dialect. 1936 style notation interpretation dialect makes all the difference in the world. Music notes are like written words. They need to be spoken in the proper language. Otherwise, they won’t make any sense,” shares Alan, who has spent decades researching and performing Swing Era music, as a solo pianist and bandleader.
Bring the DEEP ROOTS of American popular music to your events: private parties, corporate events, and more, delivered with respect for the artform and creativity to constantly evolve.
Allow Alan Gresik Music to “Make Sense” at your next celebration, party, or special event.
Contact (708) 860-1971 or email Gresik1936@gmail.com for booking.
Meet the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra
Booking
Book the music for your event.
Listen
Hear some samples of music.
Videos
Watch concerts and festivals.
“If you love swing era music, Alan Gresik is the real thing. I’ve seen the sparkle return to the eyes of those who connect with this music and with Alan. It’s a beautiful thing! Alan lives and breathes music of the swing era with precision and authenticity. And it shows.”
– Laura Witt, Entertainment Director, Oak Trace Senior Community
A Note from Alan
Pictured above – Alan Gresik with Former Prime Minister is England John Major at the Green Mill Lounge, Chicago.
Hello! My name is Alan Gresik.
I am so glad to see you checking out my website.
As a professional pianist/live music broker my most complex and on going project has been Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra . It’s one thing to form a top flight 1937 swingband, it’s another thing to create a live radio broadcast including cleverly tailored commercials within one package. Quite an illusion!
When: Every Thursday since 1998 can such an outfit be witnessed.
Where: Green Mill Lounge 4802 N. Broadway at Lawrence in Uptown Chicago.
The Jazz Capital of the Universe.
8pm to 12midnight $10 cover. Our focus is to see how close our 15 piece ensemble can get to 1936 -37 United States of America Hot Dance Music uncovering concepts that have been buried and forgotten for decades.
So far so good. It has only taken me 40 years to get to this point. Lots of moving parts.
Solo Piano is my other forte. Although I don’t consider myself a jazz pianist, all my melodies are fresh and creative mixing multiple genre’s and time signatures together.
Sound Sculpting is my specialty. Every room has it’s own unique acoustic characteristic’s. Hire Alan Gresik!
Latest Developments
Currently seeking voice students for my innovative coaching course:
1930s Swing Era Vocal Concepts
Several well-known Broadway performers have given high praise for these concepts.
Calendar
UPDATES ON PERFORMANCES
Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra – AGSO
Alan Gresik Solo Piano – AG
Green Mill: The Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra
Every Thursday, 8pm to 12, $10, 4802 N. Broadway and Lawrence.
Fridays in April 2022, Jamenson’s Char House, 7 – 10pm AG Solo Piano
May 3 Admiral Senior Living at the Lake – Solo Piano fun Private
May 6 Friday Private Event – Racquet Club of Chicago
May 13 Friday Great Penguin Party – Shedd Aquarium AGSO 5:30pm to 11pm Tickets $100
May 22 May Fest Sunday 8pm to 10pm Lincoln Park AGSO
June 4 Saturday Private Wedding AGSO
August 12 Chicago Summer Dance AGSO
Bio
Noticing that traditional music training doesn’t address this unique 1930s style, he passes the torch of swing era music to vocalists with his Swing Era Vocal workshops, to keep the spirit and technique alive for listeners for years to come.
First musician to regularly perform at the Chicago-based Potbelly’s Sandwich Store. At the original location on Lincoln, back in 1995. According to Peter Hastings, original owner, because of me I was responsible for over 10,000 musicians being hired for the franchise.
Chicago Jazz Magazine and WGN Radio are just some of the media outlets that have interviewed Alan, sharing his story and music with a wider audience.
of Bare Naked Ladies
Video
Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra
Vince Clark Hey Ba Ba Re Bop 1946
St. Louis Blues – Carnegie Hall arrangement
“Don’t Worry About Me” – Amanda Wolff vocalist
Funny Intro w/ Vince and Lou
Solo Piano
Festivals
More: Live at the Green Mill
Music
Keep guests enthralled with Alan Gresik’s piano work, ranging from traditional and international, to Swing Era and more. Complete the party atmosphere in any room with instrumental piano. Mixing retro styles and new hits, it’s soothing and exciting at the same time.
For more samples, or if you have any questions, please contact Alan Gresik Music here.
Event Options
From solo piano to ensembles | PA and Audio Support available | Decades of performance experience
Special Events
Allow Alan Gresik to tailor an ensemble to reach your needs and budget.
Weddings
Although we not a traditional Wedding Band many times we are hired just because we are so different.
Price List Available Upon Request
Alan Gresik Solo Piano
Ballroom Beatles
Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra
Feel free to call me to set up an appointment in person or on Zoom.
(708) 860-1933
Gresik1936@gmail.com
CONTACT
(708) 860-1933
Gresik1936@gmail.com
Booking Summary:
- From solo piano to ensembles
- PA available
- Decades of performance experience
Inquiries:
Have a question? Just ask! Use the form to submit your question, or reach out directly.
Thank you!
Alan Gresik Music
Chicago, IL
HISTORY OF SWING
Check out this video on the history of swing music:
This is a great documentary on this subject. Swing Orchestra’s of this type are NOT BigBands. Current BigBands do not use the same vital notation interpretation concepts that bands of this era used. Really any swingband before WW2.