The Porch Rockers: Biography
Two artists often follow parallel trajectories. For years, Tim Gartland and Joe Giardella plied their musical trades in similar circles, playing many of the same clubs, working with some of the same sidemen. Then a mutual friend brought them together. During their first jam session in 1997, both musicians shared their love of blues, country and roots music. Soon after, they founded The Porch Rockers to create original music in the tradition of their mutual heroes: Muddy Waters, Hank Williams, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.
In 2004 The Porch Rockers released "Heard the News". The unifying element to this release is high caliber songwriting. The record is a satisfying blend of roots, rhythm and blues and traditional blues music. The response to "Heard the News" was excellent.
Daniel Gewertz, “Music Scene” reporter for the Boston Herald, wrote, "The Porch Rockers have released a relaxed, savvy, blues-pop album of easy enjoyment." Worcester Magazine stated, "The Porch Rockers make the most of their considerable talent by playing together as a band performing original tunes effortlessly with the ease of musicians that are old friends."
The success of “Heard the News”, along with their well-received 1999 self-titled debut album, launched The Porch Rockers into the premier New England night club circuit featuring American roots and blues music.
In 2006 the band began a series of home-brew recordings that lead to their latest release entitled "Covers." This album is a remarkably accessible tribute to the artists that shaped and influenced The Porch Rockers individually and as a band. With a mixture of reverence for the artists and a desire to make the songs their own, The Porch Rockers set out on a musical adventure to cover songs by Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Junior Wells, The Band, The Rolling Stones, Los Lobos and Willie Nelson.
The music celebrated on the album has a relaxed vibe, which is evident in the great grooves and solid performances. Doug Sloan of Metronome Magazine summed it up perfectly: “Tim Gartland has a smooth, seasoned vocal delivery while his harp playing is emotive and soulful. Joe Giardella wears all the six string hats with slick chord voicings and slippery slide work. Bassist Dirk Van Gulden and drummer Wilson Brown keep things tight and anchored with deft precision. ‘COVERS’ is another well written chapter in The Porch Rockers' evolving musical journey.”
Singer/harp player Tim Gartland was born in Ohio and lived and performed in Chicago and Kansas City before settling in Boston in 1989. Guitarist Joe Giardella, bassist Dirk van Gulden and drummer Alan Waters are from the Greater Boston area. The Porch Rockers continue to evolve musically while providing outstanding entertainment for audiences throughout New England. They are currently in the process of songwriting for a new release.