Tim Gartland
Bedford, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Tim Gartland"Tim Gartland, Ohio-born, Chicago-seasoned, and Boston-based, the triple threat bluesman blows a mean harmonica as well as being a fine singer and songwriter". -Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe - Boston Globe Quote
"The record is a gem worth checking out.....10 tracks on the disc are originals by Gartland, a tremendous songwriter....." Karen Nugent, President Boston Blues Society - Boston Blues Society
Tim is that rare combination of inspired instrumentalist, unique vocal stylist, and gifted songwriter. The fraternity of artists who can claim that hat trick is a select group and when you narrow it down to harp players/vocalists/composers it comes down to four living artists: James Harman, Mark Hummel, Rick Estrin, and, now, Tim Gartland" Charles Sawyer, Harvard University, author of "The Arrivial of B.B. King". - Charles Sawyer, author of B.B. King biography
“His veteran vocals and precision harp work can be compared to that of the great bluesman Charlie Musslewhite as he wields a mighty musical axe throughout his new CD.” Brian Owens, Blues Review, The Worlds’s Blues Magazine - Blues Review
"This is a first-rate effort...His gritty Hendrix-like voice thrills throughout, and the man plays a mean harmonica. The blues seldom sound so sweet.” Bill Brotherton, Boston Herald - Boston Herald
Discography
Tim Gartland "Looking Into the Sun"
The Porch Rockers "Heard the News"
Radio play through out New England including WZLX classic rick in Boston
Photos
Bio
Tim Gartland Bio
It was a life changing experience when 14 year old Tim Gartland attended a Muddy Waters and James Cotton concert near his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Not only did Tim fall in love with the blues that night, he vowed his undying devotion to the music.
The ‘triple threat’ (harmonica player, vocalist & songwriter) contemporary blues man, Tim Gartland’s history of musical growth and development has been guided by the blues. He has been deeply influenced by the “greats” – Little Walter for his harp playing, Ray Charles for his interpretation of a song, and Willie Dixon for his song writing.
Born into a large musical family, his three brothers played guitar, Tim chose the harmonica at an early age, so he could bring something different to the nightly jam sessions. During his teen years, he attended every large and small blues concert that passed through the Warren area on the way to the blues mecca of Chicago. After graduating from Kent State University, Tim moved to Chicago to begin his business career. While there, he immersed himself in the Chicago blues scene. He studied with famed harmonica player, Jerry Portnoy (Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton) and played with such greats as Bo Diddley, Carey Bell, Big Jack Johnson and Pinetop Perkins.
As Tim gained a more in-depth knowledge of blues songwriting, he came to understand that if the blues was going to stay relevant in today’s world, songs had to tackle the problems of society today and not just rely on traditional themes involving sex, drugs and alcohol. Tim’s contemporary blues, in addition to telling traditional stories, also address modern themes such as Wall Street greed and cell phone technology.
Tim moved to Boston in 1991 and furthered his career in business. Never leaving his passion for music, Tim became a key player in the Boston blues circuit. In 1998 he was a finalist in the Boston Blues Challenge Competition. Shortly after his move to Boston, Tim became a founding member, lead vocalist and harmonica player for the popular group The Porch Rockers, which released three CDs.
After 25 years as a successful businessman, Tim decided to transition his passion for music into a full time career. In the last three years, he has written and published an instructional book for the harmonica entitled, “The Talking Harmonica”, launched a teaching career, and is embarking on a solo recording career with the release of his new CD entitled, Looking Into The Sun, on Taste Good Music in September, 2011.
Tim currently teaches harmonica at the prestigious Winchester Community Music School in Boston. Having been active in the school’s expansive movement into a diversity of musical styles, he became their first harmonica instructor. His goal in teaching is to “create musicians” that happen to play harmonica. Tim’s teaching philosophy is “…to teach a student tools and techniques, allowing them to embark on a musical journey with the instrument, and learn to play music with others.” He also teaches the art of performing.
He is very passionate about teaching, playing and preserving the harmonica. He volunteers with the Council on Aging and teaches harmonica to the elderly. Research has shown that harmonica playing increases the size and lung capacity, and is used in certain treatments of COPD. Tim is happy to share his gift and to give back to his community.
To learn more about Tim, please visit www.timgartland.com
Publicity:
Diane Dragone
diane.dragone@gmail.com
650-384 6371 O.
415-517 7303 Cell.
Links
