Gregg Inhofer, after four decades in the Twin Cites rock scene, has released his debut solo CD, Inside.
Inside was recorded live in 2006, featuring Gregg on vocals and piano performing all original material. Gregg is best known for playing the Hammond organ on half of the Bob Dylan masterpiece Blood on the Tracks. Gregg has been playing keyboards, bass and guitar in Twin Cities bands since the early 1970s, including with acclaimed groups like Pepper Fog and This Oneness, and toured with a young Australian singer named Olivia Newton-John. On Inside, Gregg finally steps into the spotlight with his powerful, R&B-tinged vocals and captivating musicianship.
“After four decades on the local scene and noteworthy appearances with Bob Dylan and Olivia Newton-John, you’d think Gregg Inhofer would be out of surprises. But the keyboard hero . . . emerges as a compelling singer / songwriter on the CD Inside. Inhofer’s voice is a revelation, as are the funny, intimate autobiographical tunes, reminiscent of Joe Jackson at his best.”
Minneapolis Star Tribune, November 9, 2007
Liner Notes to Gregg Inhofer’s Inside
By Jon Bream, music critic, Minneapolis Star Tribune
For four decades, Gregg Inhofer has been the consummate Minneapolis band guy. He has played keyboards in many groups, including Pepper Fog, This Oneness, the Fab 3, the Teddy Bear Band and Steve Millar & Diamondhead. More famously, he toured with Olivia Newton-John for two years and played with Bob Dylan on the classic “Blood on the Tracks” album. Now, finally, Gregg is going solo with with this collection of originals. “I’m not supposed to be a rock star or a jazz great,” the piano man says. “I’m just supposed to write songs and connect with people.” Long a skillful imitator, he has found his own voice with his first batch of songs. Sure, you’ll hear the influence of Ray Charles, John Lennon, Elton John, Tom Waits, Mose Allison and others here, but Gregg’s vision and voice shine through. “I’m finally comfortable in my own skin,” says the newly minted singer-songwriter. “I used to think of myself as a musician. Music is something I do. I’m a human being now.”
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