About Me
CHRIS GARTNER is a Toronto based multi-intstrumentalist, composer, and producer. He has been a sought after accompanist on recordings, and tours in North America and Europe for well over the last 20 years. CHRIS has appeared on over fifty albums, plus cartoon soundtracks, jingles, and radio and televison themes.
He has composed and produced music for film, and has been noted recently for his production and arranging work on LORI CULLEN'S "Uneven Hill" album, and LEAH SALOMAA'S "FATHER SUN, MOTHER MOON" album. In the last few years, he has also become an inovative guitarist, and sound designer. CHRIS is best known for time spent as a member of the group:
LOOK PEOPLE .
While with LOOK PEOPLE , CHRIS toured EUROPE, the UNITED STATES, and throughout CANADA. He appeared with the group in Canadian and U.S. LOLLAPALOOZA festivals, BILLBOARD magazine, in a number of videos, and in a cover story for Toronto's EYE magazine. The band was filmed in concert in the U.S. for a MUCH MUSIC live half-hour simulcast, and took part in many other television broadcasts. CHRIS is credited as co-composer and co-producer of their final album : CRAZY EGGS.
Since 1996, CHRIS has recorded and performed with (BARENAKED LADIES keyboardist) KEVIN HEARN and his group THINBUCKLE . Together with MARTIN TIELLI, they recorded the well recieved album H-WING. GARTNER can also be heard on KEVIN'S debut album: MOTHBALL MINT. The band has toured a number of times in CANADA and the U.S., recently with comedian - HARLAND WILLIAMS . THINBUCKLE have performed at Toronto's MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE (opening for THE BARENAKED LADIES), at Toronto's MASSEY HALL in a tribute to RONNIE HAWKINS , on live national telvision and radio broadcasts. Their lastest album "MIRACLE MILE" features contributions from STEVEN PAGE, RON SEXSMITH , and a gorgeous string arrangement from reknowned arranger:
VAN DYKE PARKS .
In 1999 tabla player and composer RAVI NAIMPALLY formed the east-indian/world group: TASA with CHRIS, JOHN GZOWSKI , ERNIE TOLLAR, and ALLAN HETHERINGTON. While with the group, CHRIS has had the opportunity to perform alongside master Indian Classcal Musicians: TRICHY SANKARAN , STEVE ODA , and DHRUVA GHOSH. The group has recorded three albums, the award winning: BHAKTI, SOMA (featuring sarangi master - DHRUVA GHOSH ), and URBAN TURBAN (featuring KEVIN BREIT , STEVE ODA , DHRUVA GHOSH , and SHAHID ALI KHAN). They have toured throughout CANADA with special performances at the NEWFOUNDLAND SOUND SYMPOSIUM , and the MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL . In the summer of 2003, TASA toured in EUROPE, playing major festivals in GERMANY, AUSTRIA, ITALY, POLAND, and the CZECH REPUBLIC. In 2005 they travelled to JAPAN with DHRUVA GHOSH to perform a special concert at the TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM. JACO PASTORIOUS biographer BILL MILKOWSKI describes the group as a "fresh, post-SHAKTI hybrid of East meets West..."
For the last number of years, GARTNER has worked with acclaimed singer/songwriter: MIA SHEARD , playing in NEW YORK, throughout CANADA. and in many television appearances including: the MIKE BULLARD SHOW, CBC's PLAY, and TVO's STUDIO 2. CHRIS can be heard on MIA'S latest album "ANEMONE" with featured guests, KURT SWINGHAMMER , and RON SEXSMITH .
CHRIS has also performed and/or recorded with:
SPOOKEY RUBEN , MARTIN TIELLI . MARY MARGARET O'HARA , JELLO BIAFRA , N.O.M.A. , POLMO POLPO, MARK FELDMAN ,MARK HEWINS (Gong) , HARLAND WILLIAMS MIKE RATHKE (Lou Reed) ,
SARA CRAIG ,GARTH HUDSON (The Band) , KEVIN BREIT , BRIAN HUGHES ,THE TAMARA WILLIAMSON BAND , MAURIZIO GAURINI (Goblin) , CORALINA CATALDI-TASSONI ,the RHEOSTATICS , NOAH ZACHARIN , SEAN CULLEN , MORGAN DOCTOR , CORKY AND THE JUICE PIGS , DAVID NEWMAN(Durga Das) , IRSHAD KHAN , SHAHID ALI KHAN , DAVE STRINGER ,RICHARD UNDERHILL , KURT SWINGHAMMER , JOE MAVETY , and PATRICIA O'CALLAHAN .
Currently, CHRIS is producing an ambient album consisting of music made from textures and soundscapes and melodies produced only from the bass. Another album is in the works from the new duo: WHIPPOORWILL with former LOOK PEOPLE , band-mate GREAT BOB SCOTT . This group uses composed live guitar and bass loops, samples, explosive drumming, and dense soundscapes to stir up an intense new sound. WHIPPOORWILL have played some great live shows including dates at THE MUSIC GALLERY, opening for the HYLOZOISTS, the MOD CLUB opening for NASH THE SLASH, the grand re-opening of the DRAKE HOTEL with POLMO POLPO, and a movie release party for CRISPIN GLOVER's "WHAT IS IT?".
CHRIS'S own orginal vocal album is also taking shape, and will feature many wonderful guests, and surprises!
"BASSIST CHRIS GARTNER BLENDED STRANGE ELECTRONIC EFFECTS WITH STANDARD BASS TONES, AT TIMES MAKING HIS BASS IMITATE THE DARK RUMBLINGS OF DARTH VADER AND SOMEONE FRANTICALLY CALLING OUT THROUGH A MAZE OF PVC PIPING"
(THE HALIFAX HERALD)
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