Koch Marshall Trio

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Danny Work

Koch Marshall Trio on stage.

Koch Marshall Trio

media release: Create Records recording artist and internet sensation, Greg Koch made his Rick Beato YouTube debut earlier this week.   Beato, who describes Koch as “one of the most underrated guitarists on the scene,” joins him for a deep dive into Koch’s diverse guitar technique, which blends elements of rock, blues, jazz, and country.

After joining the fan favorite and critically lauded Allman Betts Family Revival tour in December, Koch is making waves promoting his latest album Blues on Devon Allman’s record label - Create Records.  The new album has seen success hitting number 1 on both the Apple Music and Amazon Music blues charts. 

Greg Koch is a dynamic force in the blues guitar scene, celebrated for his exceptional versatility and illustrious career that spans over three decades. Mentored by the extraordinary keyboardist Junior Brantley, Koch honed his craft through duo gigs as a teenager and collaborated with legendary Milwaukee harmonica greats Jim Liban and Steve Cohen. He captured first prize in the 1989 Marshall Amplifier Bluesbreaker Guitar Showdown, judged by Buddy Guy, and has electrified audiences alongside icons like Lonnie Mack—who dubbed him “The Guitar Player from Hell”—and the late Danny Gatton, who praised his talent without reservation. A defining moment came when the great Albert King gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up after a festival performance in Milwaukee.

Now, with nearly two dozen albums and countless miles of touring under his belt, Koch has become a revered figure in the music world, particularly in the blues genre. His fans often ask which of his albums embodies the essence of the blues, a testament to the genre's foundational role in his work. In his latest solo album, Blues, he delivers an intimate homage to this great American art form. Partnering with Create Records, the indie label founded by fellow musician Devon Allman, Koch has curated a compilation showcasing the best of his 12-bar output, including two previously unreleased Muddy Waters covers that pay tribute to his influences. His journey into the blues began early, inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and the Kings—Albert, B.B., and Freddie. A memorable encounter with Waters backstage solidified his path: “I said, ‘This is for me,’” recalls Koch.

Blues features a collection of live recordings that capture the spontaneity of his guitar playing, with many tracks drawn from live performances and minimal studio overdubs. The album includes contributions from notable musicians such as Larry McCray and the iconic Memphis Horns, enhancing the two lead singles, “Can’t Be Satisfied” and "Can't Lose What You Never Had.”  Additional contributions include Toby Lee Marshall on keyboard and Greg’s son Dylan on drums.  With this album, Koch finally answers his fans’ question: “To have this—a strict, 12-bar blues record—yes, I’m ready,” he says. “I’m really proud of this collection.”