Greg McKenzie

Greg McKenzie, International jazz pianist, composer, and author, continues to mesmerize audiences with his unique sensitivity, original arrangements, and showmanship. Growing up he played various instruments including bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and tympani, until discovering a stronger connection with the piano, which later became his primary instrument. In August of 1976, McKenzie lost the tip of his right index finger in a lawn mower accident, but continued playing organ and piano despite a 2-year recovery. Music of all genres continued to play a crucial role in McKenzie’s life and development. In 1980, he auditioned and was selected playing bass clarinet with “America’s Youth in Concert.” This symphonic band performed and recorded in Carnegie Hall before a 4-week European concert tour.

In 1984, after graduating from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies, McKenzie taught jazz improvisation and piano at Shenandoah Performing Arts Camp before moving to Washington, D.C. He met Darrell Spencer in their apartment building elevator while living in Alexandria, Virginia. Both were college graduates and immersed in their respective corners of the working world. Darrell, an aspiring lyricist, arrived home from work one afternoon wearing a business suit while Greg was dressed in a tuxedo heading to work performing as a pianist at well-known hotspots in Washington, D.C. They gave each other a look as if to say, “Where have you been, and where are you going?” Not surprisingly, a mutual interest in music quickly developed, bringing them together weekly and writing original songs.

A few years later they moved to Los Angeles, working to build on their hopes and dreams of becoming songwriters. This unique collaboration went on for years until both reached new and separate career goals.

Darrell accepted a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music Publishing after writing songs for major recording artists like Toni Braxton, All-4-One, Jon B, and Aaron Neville, as well as many others.

Greg started studying film scoring and playing the local jazz scene amid private events for Quincy Jones, Clarence Avant, and Mayor Tom Bradley before relocating to New York City performing at the Rainbow Room & Windows on the World.

Despite going their separate ways for a few decades, they remained close and always in contact, sharing musical ideas for new projects and wondering when they would connect on something.

Greg introduced the title “FingerNail Moon” to Darrell after relocating to Japan. Different ideas started developing quickly, which led them to ponder writing a children's picture book. Greg was inspired by the story Darrell created from the title and so began their journey to publish a magical book entitled "The FingerNail Moon."