The Porch Rockers
The Porch Rockers
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.
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.
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 Wilson Brown are from the Greater Boston area.
In 2004 they released their “Heard the News” CD. The unifying element to this release was high caliber songwriting. The record was 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 that “the Porch Rockers have released a relaxed, savvy, blues-pop album of easy enjoyment”. The Worcester Magazine added that “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 this release along with their self title debut CD released in 1999 has 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 “Covers”. This album is a remarkably accessible tribute to the artists that have shaped and influenced the Porch Rockers individually and as a band.
“Covers” features songs by Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Junior Wells, The Band, The Rolling Stones, Los Lobos and Willie Nelson.
With a mixture of reverence and desire to make the songs their own, the Porch Rockers set out on a musical adventure. The music that they celebrate here has a relaxed vibe, which is evident in the great grooves and solid performances.
www.porchrockers.com
PR Contact: Tim Gartland, Curtain Call Music, 781-275-5472 tcgartland@aol.com