“Burk’s improvising is lucid, unconventional...on target” Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe

Born in Lansing Michigan, pianist and composer Greg Burk grew up in a culturally diverse and musical household. His father, Dennis Burk, was an internationally active conductor and the son of Russian and Polish immigrants. Greg's mother, Giovanna Collonelli, moved from her native Italy to the U.S. in her 20's. They met in Milan where both were studying at La Scala.

At 15, Greg discovered jazz and by 16 he was working professionally, playing solo piano gigs. Before leaving high school he performed at Down Beat Magazine’s Music Fest in Chicago where he was awarded outstanding soloist. Burk’s decision to become a professional musician was solidified as a teenager when friend and Detroit- based bassist Rodney Whittaker took him to hear and sit in with veteran jazz musicians and the talented younger players from the Motor city's fertile musical scene.