Greg Winkler: Press/Reviews

"Few CDs can convey the wide range of emotions as "Laugh a Little
Larger." From a quirky look at life in Reno, to a haunting look at an
artist's life on the road, the release cements Greg Winkler as a leading
singer-songwriter, much in the same vein as veterans Pierce Pettis and
Tom Kimmel" - Barry Graham, Off The Shelf Program Host, WHRV

"I enjoyed it (the CD) very much. It has become a staple on my car stereo."

"I was given your CD to review for my station's library and was very impressed with it. I have played a number of tracks on my show, Shaky Ground.... Keep up the good work. ...I hope someday you will be able to make it to Salt Lake City."

Like a lot of Country songs, “That Thing in Reno” celebrates the gambling, drinking, and hooking up party in Reno—except that the speaker also admits that that thing in Reno was a big mistake, caused him to lose his woman back home, and now he’s addicted to the gambling. Greg Winkler tells tales like this, opening up the conscience even as you’re enjoying the song. He sounds like Greg Brown with less resonance in his timbre and more twang in his folk. As an album Laugh a Little Longer (Slothtrop Music) starts with “Reno” which may give a little bit of the wrong impression, because the rest of the album is a lot less Country. “Still Ann” goes with an American Band Rock sound like Echelon or Jonathan Rundman with a grooving bass rock but a folkman’s voice like Lloyd Garrelts (Echelon) or Rundman—clear, no growl, little fragile and open, which invites you to rock without the posturing. This is definitely the highlight of the album. “Green Pick Up Truck” tells a tale in John Wesley Harding’s halting, conversational singing style. The title track, however, sounds like James Taylor which takes too much of the edge of Winkler’s folk.

Laugh A Little Larger is Greg Winkler's "new collection of infectious, endearing Americana..." He "...shines brightest on sparse, haunting ballads like the mesmerizing 'Green Pickup Truck' and 'Leaving Virginia'.... Winkler's penchant for well-developed character studies is especially evident on full-band workouts like the wild-eyed 'Polestar' and the down-on-his-luck gambler in 'That Thing In Reno.'"

Laugh A Little Larger is "...a mix of Winkler's clear vocal delivery with tasty backing instrumentation and rich harmonies."
Winkler's style "...is reminiscent of such songwriters as John Gorka and David Wilcox."

"If you’re a fan of the singer/songwriter scene in the Madison area you will want to check out the new CD from Greg Winkler, Laugh a Little Larger."
Winkler possesses "...that singular quality of being able to convey a song.... It’s his honest-to-goodness personality that makes him so endearing and this aspect comes through in performance as well as on his recordings."

On his third album, Laugh a Little Larger, Winkler sounds better than ever…. There are some exceptional tracks here, and the first three songs are among them. That Thing In Reno is a great bit of comic writing, and this campy, twangy rendition is a hoot. The mood turns tender on Learning to Miss You; the combination of Winkler's voice with Adams' gives me goosebumps. And Still Ann, co-written with Dale Kidd, is pure pop perfection. Its catchy tune and pithy story get lifted even higher by the dynamic, uptempo arrangement and sharp backing vocals.
Simpler production works for several of the songs, including the eerie Green Pick Up Truck and Speak…. These quiet songs are a fine showcase for the acoustic guitar style and emotionally nuanced singing Winkler is known for.
Polestar has a joyful sound and a message to "build a life upon your dreams." Other of Winkler's songs, on this record and elsewhere, deal with similar themes, but none so effectively. Another theme running through these songs is separation from loved ones. The final song on the album, Leaving Virginia, weaves these strands together in a satisfying way.
Laugh a Little Larger is a … record, with a great sound and lots of interesting turns. Tuneful, lively and engaging, it's an impressive display of Winkler's talent as a performer. The album's smart arrangements and fine musicianship make it a natural for radio play as well. It should help Winkler's music find the large audience it deserves.

Greg Winkler "walks in the steps of Peter Mayer but leans more toward the funny, lively side of things."

"...the sincere, emotive style of his delivery plays through loud and clear..."
"Winkler's gentle soul and gentlemanly persona strike a chord, perpetuating the hope that in this mad world dreams are still possible..."

His second CD, ‘Road to Mountains,” is serious folk music. But unlike those grave folkies heard on public radio, Winkler doesn’t let the genre limit his musical style. In his song, ‘Cajun Education,’ Winkler channels a little bit of the Beastie Boys. But his songwriting talents and powerful voice shine best in songs such as ‘Road to Mountains’ and ‘Raise the Sail’ which are more in the traditional folk style

Greg Winkler's ‘Road to Mountains’ is a telling snapshot of a man who writes, and sings, from a deep-down, earthy place…. It's an album that takes its sweet time, good for listening on a car trip on a sunny day…. Guitar work is tight, and his vocals are often hushed and beautiful…. (T)his album shows Winkler to be the awesome songwriter he is…

Lyrically the songs speak loudly of Greg’s passions and are filled with inspirational tones. The melodies accompany the lyrics beautifully to really impact the listener and influence a peaceful sense of reality