Turn it Down: Greg Nagy performs at UrbanBeat

Greg Nagy

Friday, June 14 @ UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. 18+, $5, 8 p.m.

Flint native Greg Nagy isn’t your run-of-the-mill bluesman. His dynamic skillset incorporates elements of R&B, rock and gospel into one rootsy hybrid. His latest solo album, “Stranded,” was released in 2015 via Big O Records and promptly garnered high praise from a stack of notable music mags, like Soul Bag, DownBeat and Vintage Guitar. Friday, the guitarist/vocalist brings his powerful sound to UrbanBeat in Old Town.

Nagy, a former member of Lansing’s own Root Doctor, chatted with City Pulse, here’s what he had to say.

It’s been a while since the “Stranded” LP hit stores; have anything new in the works?

Greg Nagy: I am back in the studio working up for a release in the fall. I’ve got some pretty eclectic material and the most recent track we’ve done is a co-write with legendary writer Jeff Paris and my friend Jim Alfredson. Jeff has worked with Rod Stewart, Keb Mo and Bill Withers. The list is long. The guy has really inspired Jim and I in so many ways, and to co-write with such a guy is an amazing experience. Jeff heard me sing about a decade ago and our relationship grew from there. Also, I’ve been asked to sing with the legendary Bobby Murray on several shows and on his upcoming album. Bobby was the guitarist for Etta James for nearly 30 years.  As a vocalist, it’s a huge honor to work with such an iconic figure. I’m also playing guitar on a track—so excited … I’m also knocking around the idea of recording an acoustic album, at some point. 

Going back in time, when you were growing up in Flint, when did you first pick up a guitar?

I first picked up guitar when I was in junior high school. My parents had divorced and it was a messy one, so I just locked myself up in my room and would noodle around for hours. Sometimes I fell asleep with the guitar on my chest. I think it really helped me get through those angst-ridden years. In fact, music continues to be a healing force in my life, both playing and listening. 

Today, you’re a music scene vet with a distinct style. Do you still get inspired by other vocalists and guitarists?

Vocally, I’m inspired by any singer who tells a compelling and believable story.  I’m generally not big on overly embellished singers. Jeff Paris and my friend Earl Thomas told me a few years back, “The best singers are simply the ones who make you believe the story.” On guitar, it’s pretty much the same thing.

People should also note that I am not purely a blues musician. Rather a fairly eclectic and open roots-based musician who just happened to get some attention from the larger blues community. You don’t have to be a blues lover to enjoy what I’m doing.

Looking back at your own discography, what’s your favorite original song?

That’s a tough one, depends on my mood.  I will say that a lot of people have written me about “I Won’t Give Up” and said it got them through a rather difficult period in their life. That’s very meaningful to me. 

Can you offer some advice to newbie musicians? 

Stay in school. Be versatile. Don’t pigeonhole yourself. Keep your peripheral vision open and let your own unique talents take you where they will.