Ghalib Ghallab plays "feel good" music that does all that … and so much more. The stylish keyboards player, composer and compelling vocalist continues to enthrall audiences in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas, where he serves up a unique jazz-rooted blend of musical influences that stands alone for its inventiveness, integrity and infectious grooves. Indeed, the Ghalib Ghallab Experience, featuring prodigal son Jihad Ghallab on drums, defies any easy categories as it delivers an array of alluring sounds ranging from simmering Latin sambas and strident modern funk to classical trio-format jazz and rollicking roadhouse blues. "I just call it Ghalib Ghallab music," says the modest Chicago-born Ghallab, whose engaging live performances and distinctive sound have made him one of Las Vegas’ most respected and requested entertainers.

The Experience features Ghalib’s craftsmanship on electric and acoustic pianos. His dexterous right hand fires out thrilling keyboard runs while his solid left helps anchor the trio’s ever ready grooves and adventurous improvisations. Jihad’s skills on drums add extra luster to an ensemble sound that’s always fresh, rich and irresistible, the group is rounded out by talented bass player Khalid Ghallab, who helps supply a solid foundation. This jazz experience is a rewarding musical journey that’s fittingly all over the musical map. Surrounded by musically oriented parents and relatives, young Ghallab started out playing tuba in his high school marching band. A stint in the military he relocated to the "His early days found him leading straight-ahead jazz ensembles while also focusing on the progressive be-bop of John Coltrane and contemporary funk of George Duke. His creative new sound drew immediate interest and Ghallab worked his way up to prestigious Chicago venues such as the Bull’s Jazz club.

Noted musicians that have come through Ghallib’s bandstand are saxophonist Paul Taylor and bassist Daryl Jones. Ghallab played his first dates in jazz-starved Las Vegas in 1989, quickly drawing enthusiastic audiences. Five-star hotels Ceasar’s, Harrah’s and the Rio hotels created an immediate demand for Ghallib’s musicial performances where he has been performing for the past 20 years. With ongoing support from his wife, Toya, the Ghalib Ghallab Experience has matured into a vital part of the Las Vegas musical landscape. His engaging and versatile sound has developed a devoted following among local residents, critics, fellow musicians and tourist from all over the world.

Ghalib Ghallab has recorded eleven albums and CD's, available via iTunes.com and Amazon.com and is currently working on his twelfth self-produced effort while headlining the The Range Steakhouse at Harrah’s Hotel. In short, it’s an Experience that’s not to be missed.

“Hangin’ With Ghalib”

One thing I have to say about Ghalib Ghallab is that your first impression is that he has a very warm presence about him. His spirit is inviting. You know when you meet him that you have met a man of character. I found a very humble man with many dreams with most of them fulfilled. He’s on a new quest now, he has his son’s performing with him, Jihad on drums and Khalid on bass. He takes such pride in this kindred trio for he has taught them music from his ‘father-like soul’. It truly is an experience to witness this collaboration in kind. I asked Ghalib some questions about his history so that we could “go back” with him if you will. He shared with me how much he loves to entertain, he stated "My playing is percussive and always aiming for that special groove that hits home. That’s what I’m all about, making people feel good and playing what comes naturally. "I truly feel blessed to be able to express myself musically and make my audiences happy," he continues. "I love to entertain and now, having Jihad playing drums and my youngest son Khalid on Bass with me, it’s become a family affair. We’re out there keeping it real and working hard while having fun. It doesn’t get any better than that." The diversity reflects Ghallab’s own varied musical upbringing, one that started in Chicago where he grew up listening to such seminal musicians as Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington and Ramsey Lewis. "I used to watch all those cats," Ghallab recalls, "and I learned something from every one of them." Influenced by live performances by jazz greats such as McCoy Tyner and Ahmad Jamal he studied music at Napa Junior College, but also credits countless hours listening to jazz giants at San Francisco's Keystone Korner Jazz Club for his decision to focus on a career in music.

Being a ‘mainstay’ in the Las Vegas music scene for 20 years, I asked him if he desired to venture out into the world with his music as in jazz festivals or other venues worldwide. He felt that he didn’t want to necessarily leave ‘his base of operation’ but was open to worldwide exposure as a jazz pianist, recording artist and producer. I invited to various festivals worldwide, I’d happy to attend. “Since acting as an ambassor for the city and representing The Jazz Network Worldwide in Las Vegas I invite those to come and visit me at Harrah’s.

On a personal note I wanted to know what he’d like to see from his current musical journey and he stated candidly “It’s becoming more,... I like to express my faith through my music, my belief in God in reaching out to others to find their God, the next CD will be relative to that since I am at this spiritual level”.

Well Ghalib, its an honor to share that space with you, I have enjoyed ‘getting to know you’ and now that The Jazz Network Worldwide resides in your city, we will be seeing much more of what you bring to life through your music worldwide.

May your journey bring warm and happy melodies to all of us,

God Bless you!Jaijai

I love The Jazz Network because its a congregation of musicians and artists who are all expounding upon their artistry from within. This network that you, Jaijai Jackson has established gives us the opportunity to communicate to each other to share our ideas on ways of getting that music out. Thank you Jaijai for giving me this sense of collaborative inspiration.

Ghalib Ghallab