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After 20 years of
successful recording and touring with his band Garry & the Moodswingers,
bandleader Garry Segal set off on a solo career. 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.
"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
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 Garry's. They 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 and was
the sax man on Van Morrisons Moondance album. Stacy Phillips brings his
grammy winning Dobro style to a cut on the CD . Garry's
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 contributions
to Garry's original songs lifting them to new heights.
Tevor D. - Music Critic - Jambands.com " 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."
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