"Songs of a Lifetime and Other Tales" is the debut CD by San Francisco based drummer-percussionist, singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, Brian Gardner. The songs cover a wide variety of styles including Acoustic, Country-Rock, Pop and Rock.
All of the songs have a story to tell and many feature stirring harmonies. The instrumentation features a wide variety of percussion instruments and cleverly written acoustic or electric guitar leads. The bass guitar work is rythmic and makes a great foundation for the arrangements to rest solidly upon.
There are unexpected surprises on the cd as well, like the humor on "Darlene" or the cleverly placed sound effects on "Be My Friend". He's not afraid to show his "romantic" side either, as Brian does on the beautifully arranged "All Day Long-(I Love You)".
One example on the CD of the passion and responsibility Gardner feels to try and help make the world a better place through his music, comes out in the song "Do Your Part". In his own words about this song from a recent interview: "If there is an "message song" on this CD is has to be "Do Your Part". The second verse lyrics drive the point home: "As an individual you're powerful. Yes YOU can change the world!" I really believe that and I definately wanted that song on my this first CD."
Gardner celebrates his 35th year as a performer in 2005 and he fervently hopes the compositions on "Songs of a Lifetime and Other Tales" make listeners smile, ponder life and perhaps even to decide to use some of their own personal time in service to others.
Every CD also carries a personal anti-drug message from Gardner in the liner notes. He is the founder of an organization to encourage performers from all facets of the arts and from all levels, to speak out against drug use and alcohol abuse when they are performing or being interviewed in the media. The organization is called Performers Against Drugs, PAD. PAD's website is www.padonline.org
He encourages people to write to him to express the effects these songs have had on them and PAD would like to receive copies of any interviews in the media where performers have spoken out against drug use and alcohol abuse. The address for correspondence is: PAD, 4949 Snyder Lane Suite #9, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.padonline.orgTrack List:
1. Be My Friend
2. Mountain Man
3. Blackie
4. Hangin' On
5. La, La Lonely
6. Just Got the News
7. Ram to a Lion
8. Do Your Part
9. Darlene
10. All Day Long
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