Everything I hear influences me in some way....Bluegrass, to Country & Rock, Blues to Classical.......Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Yo Yo Ma, John Hiatt, Robert Cray, Hank Williams, Jim Reeves, Bob Wills, Paul Butterfield, Charley Musslewhite, David Grisman....and plenty more!
After 20 years of successful recording and touring with his band Garry & the Moodswingers, bandleader Garry Segal set off on a solo career. Seeking a more personal connection with his audience, Garry got back to basics with a guitar, his voice, harmonica, paper, pencil and the insights gained from many years on the road ...taking notes along the way. The new CD "Taking Notes" is an eclectic mix of americana styles featuring Garrys sly & wry lyrics detailing his world of failed dreams, humor & hope.
His soulful singing, acoustic guitar and harmonica are supported by the ToDyeFor Band, a collection of friends and great players Garry has worked with over the years. Featured on the CD is Jeff Pevar who Garry has been playing with over the past 25 years since they first met in high school. Jeff recently worked with Phil Lesh, Crosby Stills & Nash, the late great Ray Charles, Marc Cohn and many more. Phil Rosenthal bluegrass master from the Seldom Scene was a neighbor of Garrys and they struck up a friendship and began playing & recording together over the past several years. The CD was recorded at Bar None Studio owned and operated by Collin Tilton who also lends his smokey sax to the mix. Collin was the sax man on Van Morrisons Moondance album. Stacy Phillips brings his grammy winning Dobro style to a cut on the CD as well.
But wait theres more! Garrys longtime friends that have been on the road and in the studio with his various projects are the backbone...John Morello-Drums, John "Bubs" Brown-pedal steel,Peter Blossom-guitar, Joan Schroeder-harmony vocal, Steve Roane -bass & cello, John Kelly- Bass and Jordan Greco-keys all made tasteful contributions to Garrys original songs lifting them to new heights.
Garry performs live either as a solo acoustic act or with a combination of friends comprising the ToDyeFor Band. Garry has been on stage at Foxwoods Casino CT, theater dates, festivals as well as clubs in NYC, SF CA, NC and NOLA. He has supported acts like Delbert McClinton, Fabulous Thunderbirds, J.Geils, John Mayall and more out on the road. Watch for new music from Garry on CD and Live in 2010......Thanks for supporting Indie Music artists!
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" Taking Notes bleeds Americana, with an intoxicating blend of uptempo blues and soulful bluegrass that would fit nicely in the juke box of any down n' out, PBR serving dive bar. The good ole' boy quality in Segal's sound is evocative of late Springsteen. But at times, his strong blues influence sends his vocals a little more along the lines of Van Morrison circa Astral Weeks. As a personal fan of whistling, I was especially pleased to hear the whistle intro/exit for "I Keep Drinkin" (probably the best candidate to be added into the aforementioned dive bar juke box). This nod to the drinkers is my favorite track on the album, and the combination of Segal's raw vocals, Steve Roane's heavy baseline, and Tilton's smooth sax, artistically portrays the melancholic world of well whiskey and a burdened heart. Segal's musicianship - especially the free-flowing harmonica work makes his solo worth seeing, but if you have the chance to catch him backed by any combination of the To Dye For Band, don't pass it up. Garry Segal's Taking Notes is a surprisingly great solo debut. "
Tevor D. music critic, jambands.com ,FREE magazine, Hypezine
Garry Segal & the ToDyeFor Band's Friend Space (Top 23)
If you're into power pop tunes like Jellyfish, Superdrag, Weezer, etc... you can download the Six Songs EP for FREE by visiting my MySpace page. Thanks!
Tryin' to put you in my top friends...8,000 of 'em so it may take a while..lol Looking forward to our upcoming gigs together. You sounded awesome at The Handlebar!! I'm gonna record our next one!!
Thank you kind sir! We put alot of focus on the harmonies; it's nice to be noticed! Keep your ears peeled for our new full length album, dropping next month
Thanks soo much for coming out to JAM FOR JACKIE!!! I really appreciate you devoting your time and talents.I hope to see you again soon! Take Care:-)Many THanks!!!
Thanks for the add and kind words Garry, it was great meeting you and hearing you play, you killed it! Lets keep in touch most def, I can hear harp on some tunes
Four more little sonic gems for your August pleasure are now available on the site. Blitzen Trapper, Boulder Acoustic Society, Jay Brannan and The Wiyos. Yet another fine quartet even though we say so ourselves as picked them out.
Man everybody at the SFBS has said you, and I need to get together on some bluesin'.. I guess they're right...lol Great sounds here brother... Let's get up sometome here in town on a show or two, and make it do what it do...Till then...
Your life is your life Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission. Be on the watch. There are ways out. There is a light somewhere. It may not be much light but it beats the darkness. Be on the watch. The gods will offer you chances. Know them. Take them. You can’t beat death but You can beat death in life, sometimes. And the more often you learn to do it,the more light there will be. Your life is your life. Know it while you have it. You are marvelous The gods wait to delight in you. ~ Charles Bukowski
Buko & Blues...You can't loose!!
Many bluesy blessins,
RiYeN RoOtS☮
May there be few stones in your passway Garry...Keep on!!