Biography

From straight ahead jazz, funk and pop, to the avant garde, Greg Goebel is considered one of the Northwest's first call pianists.

Praised by critics for "manifesting his ideas with the immediacy and sureness of a master craftsman" (Jazz Times) and as "a force that is stretching known boundaries and moving the music into new territory" (Larry Koonse), pianist Greg Goebel shows himself as firmly rooted in tradition while simultaneously proving to be a unique voice among a new generation. 

“Greg has personally done more to elevate the performance level of our students than any other person, graduate or undergraduate, who has attended the University of Oregon in at least the last fifteen years,” said the school upon his graduation.  

Since school, Goebel has recorded and toured extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Touring, recording and co-producing with singer Gino Vannelli for over 12 years, his contributions can be heard on the CD, The Best and Beyond,the DVD, Live in L.A., as well as the most recent Wilderness Road.

A long time member of David Friesen's Circle 3 Trio, his work can be heard on Friesen’s 2009 CD, Five and Three, the 2011 CD, Circle of Three, the 2013 release, Brilliant Heart, 2014’s Where the Light Falls and Triple Exposure released in 2016.

In 2013, Greg’s first album as a leader, Rainy City, was released to critical acclaim.

“Goebel deserves all the praise hereabouts. He’s a burner!"  (George Fendell/JSO)

"Greg Goebel is one of about half a dozen pianists that are redefining the instrument, the literature and the useful purpose of the piano and doing it with the skills of a master.  5 Stars!"  (Brent Black/@CriticalJazz)

In addition to keeping a busy schedule in Portland, Goebel has had the pleasure of performing with notable musicians such as John Handy, Antonio Hart, Dick Oatts, Terrell Stafford, Dave Pietro, Larry Koonse, Houston Person, Byron Stripling, Pete Christlieb, Ken Peplowski, Ben Wendel, Allison Miller, Eric Marienthal, Steve Wilson, Ingrid Jensen, Seamus Blake and many others.

When not touring, Greg enjoys performing locally with a wide variety of artists and teaching motivated students of all experience levels.