Lee Greene

Beginning his career as a teenager, Lee Greene performed with local groups throughout Pittsburgh. While still young and active in jazz circles, he also accompanied a range of Motown and Rhythm and Blues acts. He enrolled at NY State University to work under multi-reed player Ken McIntyre, and during that period he appeared in ensembles directed by Frank Foster, Joe Newman, and Billy Mitchell. Once his studies ended, Greene shifted toward education, mentoring teenagers drawn to jazz and taking the role of Jazz Band Director at St. Francis High School. Over time he broadened his involvement in jazz while maintaining an active performing schedule that included support for vocalists Teresa Brewer, Diahann Carroll, Frankie Laine, and Frank Sinatra. His first album, New York Calling, appeared in 1997 on the Consolidated Artists Productions label. Greene simultaneously entered the production arena; between 1990 and 1996 he worked at Chesky Records on sessions featuring Clark Terry, Eddie Daniels, and additional label artists. He later partnered with Mile Longo, longtime pianist and musical director for Dizzy Gillespie, to establish Consolidated Artist Productions, a venture committed to granting performers greater artistic oversight and improved financial returns from their recordings. Within the company Greene holds the position of Vice President for Marketing. He also performs with Longo’s big band and serves as a featured soloist in the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble.