Garth Wilwand’s dancing fingers never
misstep. With a fierce and gentle style they float in the ether
& kiss the earth right on cue. Each song heartfelt, fresh and
alive, Garth plays both original songs and covers. Bathed in the
sonority of Garth’s passion, his own songs reflect and touch the hearts
of many, from all walks of life, of varied experiences, and the rich
tapestry that is Americana. Garth Wilwand is a consummate
performer who captivates audiences wherever he may share his gift.
Garth Wilwand wrote his own first song at 12, which began a prolific pace of creativity. It's not so surprising considering the ever present piano in the basement, a father that played jazz,
and the pile of vinyl finds from flea markets. Garth's internationally sold debut CD, "Eyes of the Hurricane," demonstrates a variety of styles and themes in 13 original songs, from the everyman's grind of daily urban life in "Forgive This Town," to the somber and personal "Pleasant Ridge." The simplicity of the recording leaves Garth no place to hide, his raw musicianship exposed, without other musicians or instruments to dilute his own sound. Much of growing up on a ranch in Nebraska is reflected in the tones of Garth's expressions. Seeming to channel the lives of many, his ballads reveal a melange of experiences.
This San Francisco Bay Area native returned to California after receiving degrees in Art and Literature. Garth was a top competitive runner during high school and college, and holds
records that still stand today. He took time out for a conventional(!) career before realizing that music called to more than his heart. Garth's early inspiration (at the age of three) was
Elvis, and he has been heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen. A self-taught pianist, Garth has developed a unique full style of filling space with sound from his hands alone to be embellished by his voice. His career includes performances at the California Mid-State Fair, a new feature of Blue Dove Productions' most recent undertaking, "Sapphire Moon Rising," multiple performances at Big Sur's Jade Festival, opening for Chicago blues man and Hollywood actor Jake La Botz, and also sharing the stage with Grammy winner Louie Ortega at the "Sharing the Dream" Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.
What many may never notice about Garth Wilwand, unless they see him in person, is that his own music transports him, a worthy vehicle for painting pictures & telling stories of toil and torment and hope. Seasoned viewers will observe something unusual -- he closes his eyes and continues to play, fingers a blur. He himself feels as though the art is not wholly his, but comes through him. It is a sight to behold, the artist himself transformed with each recounting of a story, reliving it, channeling the voices of multitudes, and bringing us all along for the journey--it is a five-minute fantasy.
Garth Wilwand wrote his own first song at 12, which began a prolific pace of creativity. It's not so surprising considering the ever present piano in the basement, a father that played jazz,
and the pile of vinyl finds from flea markets. Garth's internationally sold debut CD, "Eyes of the Hurricane," demonstrates a variety of styles and themes in 13 original songs, from the everyman's grind of daily urban life in "Forgive This Town," to the somber and personal "Pleasant Ridge." The simplicity of the recording leaves Garth no place to hide, his raw musicianship exposed, without other musicians or instruments to dilute his own sound. Much of growing up on a ranch in Nebraska is reflected in the tones of Garth's expressions. Seeming to channel the lives of many, his ballads reveal a melange of experiences.
This San Francisco Bay Area native returned to California after receiving degrees in Art and Literature. Garth was a top competitive runner during high school and college, and holds
records that still stand today. He took time out for a conventional(!) career before realizing that music called to more than his heart. Garth's early inspiration (at the age of three) was
Elvis, and he has been heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen. A self-taught pianist, Garth has developed a unique full style of filling space with sound from his hands alone to be embellished by his voice. His career includes performances at the California Mid-State Fair, a new feature of Blue Dove Productions' most recent undertaking, "Sapphire Moon Rising," multiple performances at Big Sur's Jade Festival, opening for Chicago blues man and Hollywood actor Jake La Botz, and also sharing the stage with Grammy winner Louie Ortega at the "Sharing the Dream" Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.
What many may never notice about Garth Wilwand, unless they see him in person, is that his own music transports him, a worthy vehicle for painting pictures & telling stories of toil and torment and hope. Seasoned viewers will observe something unusual -- he closes his eyes and continues to play, fingers a blur. He himself feels as though the art is not wholly his, but comes through him. It is a sight to behold, the artist himself transformed with each recounting of a story, reliving it, channeling the voices of multitudes, and bringing us all along for the journey--it is a five-minute fantasy.
