Check out my latest music and upcoming events!
Acoustic zen from my "Tegiticula" EP available on Spotify and all streaming sites.
The Doobie Brothers - Tom Johnston solo
Joe Walsh & The James Gang
Pink Floyd's classic featuring the genius of David Gilmour.
The great Joe Walsh and Don Felder of The Eagles classic guitar work on Hotel California
Jimmy Page , Led Zeppelin.......say no more!
One of my all time favorite guitar solos on a great song courtesy of Don Felder and The Eagles!
En fuego Stevie Ray Vaughan
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood classic acoustic masterpiece.
From my album "6 String G"
I wrote this song on the 10th anniversary of my Mom's passing. Its a celebration of her life and artwork (oil paintings,water colors and just for fun sketches) for the people who loved her most. This is a track from my “6 String G” album which you can listen to on all streaming music sites ( Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon etc)
BEATLES FAN?? Which Beatles song references can you hear in my new thank you song to The Fab Four entitled “So Many Yesterdays”
I was inspired to write this song after hearing Howard Stern’s interview of Paul McCartney. Like Howard, I wanted to thank The Beatles for the positive influence they had, not just on my life but on the lives of people in my generation and generations to come. I used Beatles song titles and lyrical references in my lyrics (see how many you can identify). Please follow me on Spotify, or Itunes @Gregory Garstka.
Special Thanks to Guy Wallis (vocals) and Jim Fogarty (drums & co producer) WOLFGANG ! And of course my amazing wife Pam Arterburn Garstka
In remembrance of Jeff Beck and Eddie Van Halen.
A work in progress for my next release.
It's been an exciting and productive year. After my first trip to London and Paris, I was inspired to write and record a bunch of new music. I was especially pscyhed to collaborate with my old band mates from WOLFGANG ,Guy Wallis and Jim Fogarty on a tribute or thank you song to "THE BEATLES" entitled "So Many Yesterdays" . Its on my new
It's been an exciting and productive year. After my first trip to London and Paris, I was inspired to write and record a bunch of new music. I was especially pscyhed to collaborate with my old band mates from WOLFGANG ,Guy Wallis and Jim Fogarty on a tribute or thank you song to "THE BEATLES" entitled "So Many Yesterdays" . Its on my new album "6 STRING G". I've got more music in the pipeline and I'm so happy to have the time to compose and record. I want to make the music I have been hearing in my head for years but never had the time and opportunity to realize. I am married and living and living in Alta Loma,CA with my amazing and beautiful wife Pam, who has made sure I have a room to do all things music-related. I've been musically exploring and experimenting.
As a music teacher for many years, I gave young musicians the advice to “follow your heart and make the music you hear.” I've finally decided to take my own advice.
I hope you enjoy my songs. I'm lucky to again have original artwork by illustrator and concept artist Nello Shep. @NelloShep on Instagram and Twitter.
My new nine-song release is entitled “MONUMENT”. The title is a reference to the giant black hole at the center of our galaxy. Like that amazing gravitational force, I have tried to pull all of the musical styles I love into these compositions.
“HOME” is the first song. I was lucky enough to get Guy Wallis to play bass and Jim Fogarty to do percussion and produce the song. I also recruited my very talented wife Pam to sing with me. The lyrics reflect a journey from being alone to belonging and love.
“THE GREAT CONJUNCTION” was written during another astronomical occurrence, when Jupiter recently aligned with Saturn. This piece began as most of these compositions do . . . with an acoustic guitar. When I added Vibes, Flute and Trumpet/Flugel, it became more of a cartoon spy/Super Hero theme song. I asked artist Nello Shep to design a storyboard that reflected that ”Vibe.”
“SONG OF HOPE” began with a few mandolin chords. The beginning is a bit melancholy but becomes hopeful, like rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds. Once again, Nello Shep captured the mood with a beautiful painting. The last section is just an excuse for some guitar shredding.
“CELTIC CRUNCH” I was channeling my Irish ancestors while writing this one. It is a heavy bounce and a fun ride.
“HIGH DESERT SERENADE” is my first effort at a more serious and elaborate classical piece. I wrote the entire piece on a Classical/Nylon string guitar but heard much of the orchestration in my head while doing it. Nello Shep captured the essence of this song beautifully with another of her unique stylistic creations.
“BIG BONANZA” is an electric ride with Nick and Heath Barkley through the old west shows of Bonanza and The Big Valley. Heavy strings gallop under a rock bass line and some electric guitar work.
“THE FORGE / HERO’S JOURNEY”: I wanted to write a piece that was just fast, catchy and technically difficult acoustic guitar. Unfortunately, I could not help myself and added some synths and strings along the way. Like the book by Joseph Campbell, we are all the hero in our own journey through life, strengthened or broken in the “THE FORGE” of life’s challenges. Our “HERO’S JOURNEY” is conquest of our character and heart to become our best self. The artwork is SO cool!! Nello Shep evokes a bit of Mordor in her Forge piece and contrasts it evocatively with the Hero’s Journey traveler rowing towards a dripping sun.
“BETRAYAL” I first heard Betrayal while watching the Ken Burns film about Susan B Anthony and Cady Stanton. I loved it and learned the mandolin part that night. Written and arranged by Bobby Horton, it is a simple, understated arrangement with vivid emotion. I played all the parts: mando, flute, guitar, fiddle. It is my tip of the hat to great musician and two great American women.
I appreciate you taking the time to listen and hope you enjoy these songs. They are not mainstream or popular styles; this is the music that bounces around in my head.
If it wasn’t for my wife Pam, this music wouldn’t exist. Nello Shep gave these songs stunning and beautiful visual equivalents, and Jim Fogarty provided sonic counseling. Finally, thank you Guy Wallis for yet another amazing fretless bass part that truly enhances Home..
Artwork from "Rites of Passage" available now on all music sites. "Earth" element by Nello Shep (@NelloShep -Instagram & Twitter)
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