Greg Foresman

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In many ways Greg Foresman has led the archetypical musician’s life. Inspired by his passion for the art rock and British blues of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the Louisville, Kentucky native put together his first band at the age of twelve. Throughout his teens and into his early twenties, he earned a well-deserved reputation in his home state as a gifted guitarist and the driving musical force in several popular regional rock acts, culminating as a member of The Hammerheads.
Drawing on influences such as Led Zeppelin, Cream, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Hammerheads built a devoted following, carving out a swath from southern Alabama to Chicago where fans would pack the most popular clubs for an opportunity to experience the quartet’s fiery, blues-drenched rock. Like many bands that achieve such stature and despite courtships with several major labels, the combustible mix of talented musicians that comprised the band and made them so popular led to their implosion before a deal could be inked, leaving followers with only one, self-produced live disc simply titled The Hammerheads.
However, it was at this point that Foresman’s story becomes less typical as rather than relegating his music to a footnote of his youth - albeit more successful than most - he rededicated himself to his career, armed with lessons learned both musical and professional from his five years with The Hammerheads. Honing his songwriting chops to match his already formidable style on guitar, Foresman began to tour and record as a solo artist while also contributing his musicianship as a player for artists including acclaimed country singer and songwriter Deborah Allen and Dove Award-winning, contemporary Christian star Susan Ashton.
In 1997, Foresman released his solo debut, Rainbow Sky. Taking the album’s title from a quote by his then eight-year old son Kyle, Rainbow Sky was a showcase for Foresman’s exceptional musicianship and versatility, ranging from the blistering, anthemic rock of “Breaking Down The Walls” to the sensual, blues growl of “The Last Time” to the lilting, folk balladry of the set’s title track. The release received enthusiastic press but before he could tour in support of it, fate intervened and offered the proverbial “offer he couldn’t refuse” – a spot as touring guitarist for country megastar Martina McBride.
Since then, McBride has become one of the most popular and respected artists in country music and Foresman has been an indispensable component of her live band, lending his tasteful guitar work to her tours and performing before captivated audiences in sold-out shows worldwide. As his own reputation as a talented and dependable sideman has grown, Foresman has also remained focused on his own music, continuing to write and record as well as perform live between tours with McBride.
His second album, Hymns And Devil Music, was released in 2003 and, like his first, was the recipient of praise from fans and critics alike with featured guests including Mike Henderson on harp and Dennis Taylor on saxophone. As equally explosive and eclectic as its predecessor, Hymns And Devil Music found Foresman tapping into deeper lyrical themes evident from the moody and existential opener, “Thank You.” However, his musical roots are still clearly evident on tracks like the swamp funk of “Fishin’ Blues,” the sparse, folk blues on “High On You,” and the closing “Southland,” which taps into the vibe of classic Steely Dan with its clean, jazz-inflected feel.
This year will see the release of Foresman’s third solo disc. Although it’s still in its embryonic stages, music fans can expect to hear Foresman’s appreciation and love for musical legends like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Frank Zappa as musical touchstones running through the result, yet delivered with a style, passion, and attitude that is unmistakably his own.
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