MIKE GARNER - Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keys, Drums and programming, writer, arranger, producer, engineer.
Influences
My musical influences? Well, you have to keep in mind that I have been listening to, and playing music for a good many years. And I try to absorb a little bit of everything that I hear. Good or bad, it all leaves it's mark to some extent.
My first intro to music was jazz guitar from my father Mike Guaragna, who was quite a jazz guitarist himself. So there was always Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, Wes Montogomey and Johnny Smith music playing in the house.
Then came the British Invasion which really made a huge musical impression on me. It was seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 that really sealed my fate. Then came the Stax stuff in high school, Psychedelia, Prog-Rock music with YES and ELP, Country music, the real Rock n' Roll of the 50s, and Roots Rock. But NOT disco. That would be the "bad" I mentioned earlier. You would never see me in a lime green leisure suit playing at The Ramada. I actually stopped playing out in clubs for a good portion of the 70s because of it. Awful stuff!
So, I guess the music that is still influencing my tunes the most today would probably be attributed to sounds of Dave Edmunds, The Beatles, Carl Perkins, NRBQ, The Blasters, Big Al Anderson, my long-time chums in arms "The Sylvester Brothers" and those British Invasion Bands like The Searchers. All you have to do is listen to some of my tunes to know that I'm kinda fond of the sound of a 12 string guitar being backed up by the chunky rhythm of a big ol' acoustic guitar and a Hoffner bass.
Below is a clasic clip of three of my favorites all together; Dave Edmunds, George Harrison and Carl Perkins doing "Your True Love"
And for all of you who have ever considered becoming a musician, let me leave you with the words of the infamous Hunter S. Thompson
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.”
LET THE MUSIC PLAY!!
Sounds Like
At times a mix of all above. At other times, just like myself.
You might not know the name. But chances are you've heard his work. Over the years, Mike Garner has put together a very impressive resume of recording and commercial work from coast to coast, while also playing with a host of national and local acts. His body of work has incorporated a variety of musical genres ranging from Rock n' Roll, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Fussion, Funk, Country and even Oldies.
Now, after 13 years as leader and bassist of the popular roots rock ensemble The Sylvester Brothers, Mike has released his newest solo CD effort on Telelikz Records called “A Cup o’ Jo...and other delights”. This CD is now available for purchasing in Hard Disk form via CD Baby, by direct ordering from his www.GarnerMusic.com website, downloading RIGHT HERE from the Sound Station Music Store above, as well as other digital downloading sites like iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster and Sony Music.
And don't forget to keep an eye out for the soon-to-be released “Beauty In The Beast”, due in early 2008! Once again, Mike had the pleasure of collaborating with writing partner JoAnn Radovich, who worked so tirelessly to help him put together "A Cup o' Jo". In the music player all the way on top of the page we've included a couple of pre-release cuts from that new CD for your listening pleasure. If you have your sound on, you're probably listening to one of the cuts as you're reading this. They'll be available for downloading very soon.
ENJOY!!
And don't forget to visit Mike's regular website at
Dropping by to leave some Love and Respect to you and your page and to wish you a funtastic weekend and upcoming week. Your support and friendship mean alot to me, so thank you for your continuous support and friendship. Please stay in touch and KEEP ROCKIN!!! Please drop by and sign my new guestbook, I just put it up and I would appreciate it... Love, Peace, Respect Harpo
I remember Mr Senior, he was like one of Nyack's first shredders, he worked out of this small music store off No.Franklin St. He raised a fine and talented son. My condolences. God Bless, Andre'
OMG my grandson is rockin out to my profile song..LOL..he's 6 and is dancin around crazy..He knows good music when he hears it...Thank You for sharing your talent... Chris
Hello Mike, It was fun jamming with you and Karen at Kabobs last year. I finally got something from that event up on youtube. Here's the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ugg_GbD3jI
awwwww god that made me gush that's so adorable :) awwwwwwwww perfect i am well made up for you babes , bless ..
if you ever put any piccies up let me know :) so a new year baby that is really cute did you have a good xmas and new year silly question apart from the baby :)
