About Me
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
