For over 23 years Gary D. (Greg Armstrong) has been a piano playing sideman to countless artists as well as a singer/songwriter and jingle tunesmith.
Starting out in 1984 playing the "ballroom" circuit in Minnesota for many years with a cover band called "Heartbeat". In the early 90's he joined "Bobby Vee" www.bobbyvee.com and toured worldwide as Bobby's keyboard player. He also recorded two albums "Crash, Boom, Bang It Out" and "Moon Dog House Party" with Bobby's sons Tommy, Robby and Jeff in "The Vee's". In 1998 he played piano on Bobby Vee's highly acclaimed Buddy Holly tribute album "Down The Line".
In 1999 he joined a Minnesota household name, and great original band..."GB Leighton"
www.gbleighton.com and recorded "It's All Good" and "This Life", as well as two live albums and a live DVD. He also played on tracks for the bands latest 2007 release "Shake Them Ghosts" produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M).
In 2005 he released a solo album of original material entitled "Diary Of A Decade". The album features vocals by Greg, Brian Leighton (GB Leighton), Pamela McNeill, Jason Perri, Nathan Anderson, and Justin McGuinn as well as a host of Minnesota musicians with songs written or co-written by Greg.
In 2006, he joined the "Pamela McNeill Band". Pamela is an incredible singer/songwriter with several albums and credits to her name. He also played on her latest CD release "Nightingale". www.myspace.com/pamelamcneillmusic
Also in 2006, he created a new band with Paul "Stretch Rocker" Diethelm (Slip Twister/Jonny Lang/Deep Seven), Mike Zeleny (Slip Twister, Deep Seven) and Jay O'Donnell (Slip Twister/Deep Seven) called the Fabulous Armadillos. The Fabulous Armadillos have had a very succesful run of 32 sold-out theater shows from 2006 into 2008.
The Fabulous Armadillos continue to play and are into their 2008-2009 season at Pioneer Place on Fifth. Check out upcoming shows at: www.ppfive.com
Greg also finds time to write jingles for his company Creative Radio www.creativeradiojingles.com, and be a father to his daughter, Aili and husband to his wife, Sandy.
Yo whats up G! It was great to see ya last weekend!! I tried to get over there to holla @ ya but u bounced! But thanks for comin thru & I hope that u enjoyed the show!!
.....LAST NITE -- A LOCAL TELE-MARKETER FEMALE CALLED .. I WAS STRUCK BY TJE UNIQUE Q OF HER VOICE AND STYLISTICS --- KIND OF LIKE THE SUGAR SWEET/SULTRY VOICE OF PAMELA -- MIXED IN WITH THE CHOPS OF MICK STERLING'S -- TWIN IRRESISTABLE SISTAS.. -- THE ONE ON THE LEFT --
ANYWAY -- I'D LIKE TO BRING HER AROUND THE SHOP SOMETIME TO SEE WHAT U HEAR ~~!!~~~
Hello! Mark your calendar!! If you dont know, I play for a blues artist named Bernard Allison & we will be performing at the fifth annual Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Festival that will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009, from Noon to 10:30 p.m. at Peavey Plaza in Downtown Minneapolis (outdoors at 11th St. and Nicollet Mall)
Bernard Allison is performing on the main stage at 7:00 – 8:30 PM
The Band includes:
Bernard Allison - (Lead Singer, Guitar)
Bruce McCabe - (Vocals, Keyboards)
Jose James - (Vocals, Sax, Percussion)
Jassen Wilbur - (Bass Guitar)
Erick Ballard - (Drums)
The festival is free to the public. More information is available at www.famousdaves.com/bluesfest or the Festival Hotline at (952) 294-1299.
Bernard Allison is a National/ Internationl performing band & this is the only time in 2009 that you can catch our concert in the Twin Cities & I'd like for you to come to the show & eat some BBQ!!
I am at the press downstairs tonite Wednesday March 4th with the Rogues of St. Germain we have John Scalia on bass and Billy Thommes on drums and Kurt "lightnin" Rodman on guitar bad mofo's all..hope to see you
I's hopin' you'd ask. My calendar is clear. Let me clear it with the boss (Stacey) tho.' I'd love to come up. "Mama I'm so happy-I'm gonna join the band!!" You guys are a blast to hang out with and the music rules. I'm rounding up a bunch for your "Billy/Elton" gig in Cambridge too, April 18th. can't wait. "The password to heaven...." So catchy.
I still can't stop listening to "Diary Of A Decade. " Is their a chance that you'll have all (most) of the musicians that were on it, perform the album live?
I know, we definitely would love to make it to the "Girls" show(I would personally request Beth by KISS so start practicing) but they're during the week which is harder to do for us. That's why you need to open up more dates! :) M
Hey! So we've checked our calendars to see if we can make any of the dates on your schedule. So far we have 4/18 marked down. Unless, of course, you open up more dates for Eye2Eye or Girls...We'll keep checking. Hope all is well! M
really?! Bummer! What ever you are doing tonight, have a great evening and weekend! And hope to connect soon. Thank you so much for the well wishes! I am so very excited... and my mom is even making the trip down! love it! Take care! C
Hey Gary! Thanks for the message! Yes, the Irresistibles are gearing up for the debut on Friday... which conveniently I notice that you are free?? Won't you come and hang with us? It will be a hoot! And I am not surprised at all on your sold out status... terrific talent such as yours... What do you say we start to jingle this winter season? I'd love to learn the world you are in. Take care of you, Gary D! See you soon!
Can u believe that after all these years...I still cannot find time to make it to one of your shows? Somehow, I think the music and show is different than the Heartbeat days. At least I did see a couple of GB shows.
My mom and I had such a terrific time on Monday! Did you see her dancing, singing, crying and laughing?! We really loved it. You have an incredible show with incredible talented people on that stage... every one of them. Thanks so much for a great night. I hope to talk to you soon. Take care of you!
