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 2008-2009......Thanks for supporting Indie Music artists! go to todyeforband.com for more info
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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 that would put a smile on the face of any Dylan fan - 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 24)
Hope you enjoy some traditional, acoustic, Delta, slide, Piedmont, finger-style, Southern rural, pre-war, country, pre-electric blues with a touch of spirituals, hollers, rags and American finger-style guitar seasoning.
Hey Garry! What up? If you're not doin' anything on Friday night, come by the Orange Peel and catch the Local Showcase - Kellin Watson, Eliza Lynn and Peggy Ratusz! I hope we can do a gig together soon. I've got you on my mind. How could I not? You're a fabulous harmonicist and even more fabulous person!
Love your tunes......gravely and rough, the way I like to hear vocals, but I needs to ask you a question............is it possible to whistle while smiling?! ;-)
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Played "I'm Still Drinking" in last Friday's Independent Radio Hour. Great music!I will be playing more of Taking Notes this coming Friday night, come give us a listen. Kat and Cos love promotin and playin such awesome talent. Take Care, Cos
hey garry taking you (taking notes) with me to inverness tomorrow, i'm going to roll my windows down and blow you all over sonoma/marin county!! smiles to you!
Hey Garry! What up? It was cool and groovy daddio, playin' whichooo last night! Good to meet you and hope to see you, jam with you again very soon. Peggy
Greetings from Jersey, Hope you day is filled with SUNSHINE & LAUGHTER... Music sounds cool, nice sound/vibe/style! Chat me soon, Kat@tunes2ya Princeton, NJ
Hi Garry, thanks for your kind comments. I see what you mean about the acoustic feel with brushes. Great sound Garry, and your vocals remind me of John Hyatt. Good speaking to you!! Chris
Garry & the gang..you guys have a great sound..it's that if i had a band, i could only wish to groove like you!!..keep on keepin on..i look forward to crossing up out on the road,listening, and trading some tunes and tales..soon...twh
