Skaff only began learning guitar in his mid-teens, teaching himself to play classic rock, R&B, and, most significantly, the blues. Opportunities to hear jazz may have been limited in Wichita, Kansas where he grew up, but organ combos, like those led by Jack McDuff and Lou Donaldson, passed through, making a strong impression on the young guitarist. Jay McShann, who spent a six-month stint playing an unlikely roadside bar, became another point of reference- especially after Skaff innocently realized the bandleader was more than just some colorful local veteran. Perhaps Skaff's most formative experience, however, came with a borrowed copy of George Benson's It's Uptown. Overwhelmed by the creative possibilities of jazz guitar, Skaff began listening intensively, transcribing the work of other artists, teaching himself music theory, and perfecting his now seemingly effortless technique.

In the early 1980s, he relocated to New York, expanding his opportunities for study and performance. A last minute audition opened the first of many doors; as a result, he was recruited for Stanley Turrentine's quintet and found himself playing Carnegie Hall the following evening. Skaff credits Turrentine for developing his ability to communicate with audiences and lock into an unshakeable rhythmic pocket. In his five years with that quintet, Skaff toured Europe, Japan, South America, and South Africa, and appeared at the Montreal Jazz Festival and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Since that time, Skaff has served in the bands of vocalists Gloria Lynne, Ruth Brown, and, currently, Kevin Mahogany. He is also a long-time member of saxophonist Bobby Watson's group and appears on Watson's current release, Quiet As It's Kept (Red Records). He has worked as R&B/dance diva Martha Wash's musical director for the past eight years. Freddie Hubbard has employed his talents for a number of special engagements - such as dates at New York's Jazz Standard - while Skaff's other freelance credits include work with Lonnie Smith, singers Will Downing and Jimmy Scott. In 1991, Skaff received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to write and perform his own work.

As for future projects, the guitarist points to a working trio comprised of himself, organist Mike LeDonne, and drummer Lenny White. His own quartet, whose formidable talents include pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Tony Scherr, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, continues much as it did on Blues and Other News, featuring Skaff's original compositions alongside bebop and songbook standards. Skaff endorses D'Angelico jazz guitars.

Praise for Greg Skaff, Blues and Other News:

It's an exuberant and expansive debut…
-- Jazz Times

Guitar aficionados should make sure they pick this one up…
-- Cadence

Greg Skaff plays as deftly as Miss [Ruth] Brown sings…
-- Boston Globe

Greg is the most versatile and imaginative guitarist I've played with. He has one foot in the past and one foot in the future, so anything the music calls for… he's there!!!
-- Bobby Watson