LoveLow
hi mike, how are you today?
MikeGarson
Doin pretty good, thank you!
Unicorn
How was your first meeting with David?
MikeGarson
It was wild and bizarre, I didin't know who he was at that
time, in 1972. I met Mick Ronson first, and then I saw this wild guy with red
hair.. The rest is history...
lydiaof rome
at what age did you start to play keybords mike ?
MikeGarson
I started at 7 -- I never looked back.
lydiaof rome
are you prepering an album on your own?
MikeGarson
Lydia, I'm working on a classical album of my own pieces
right now.
RogInLA
You've been a Bowie sideman for a long time...what drives
you to play with him?
MikeGarson
He's a phenomenal artist to accompany, as he's very "in
the moment."
charly
Hi Mike. Aladdin Sane is my all time fave Bowie album. How
would you sum up working on that album at the time in say, 10 words or so?
MikeGarson
The best project I've ever recorded on, in fact, yes.
RaMOANa
How is young Jeremy's piano lessons coming along? :)
MikeGarson
Jeremy claims he's "done with piano" and on to ... spelling..
Kisch
Mike, thank you for the great music...any more solo work in plans ? (Hi
from Russia btw)
MikeGarson
After we complete the next Bowie Tour, I'll be working
on my solo career in both jazz and classical.
peanut
Hi Mike! Thanks for coming today. Can you tell us anything
about the new album and the new tour? I am so excited?
MikeGarson
Unfortunately -- I'm mum.
Theodora
What has been your most embarassing moment on stage?
MikeGarson
Playing the introduction to 'China Girl' in the wrong key.
Luckily the band was able to adjust, and it went off well. we were on live TV
in Paris.
whenimfive
what was the level of sanity during the aladin sane tour???
MikeGarson
In terms of the creation of the music -- pretty high. In
terms of the lifestyle at the time -- pretty low.
ant
Ho Mike, how's your relation with the university of Utrecht in
Holland?
MikeGarson
It's GREAT! I usually get over there about once a year
to lecture and perform.
nemesis
mego tells me to ask you what youre wearing? (ill cah in if
you say "nothing")
MikeGarson
I'm wearing a T-shirt with some of my own artwork on it,
and some dungarees.
Bianca
I love your artwork on your site, Mike. Which computer programmes
did you use for this?
MikeGarson
Mainly, I use Photoshop, along with Painter Classic, and
Studio Artist.
Bianca
How is to work with David these days in studio compared to
the 70s?
MikeGarson
Interestingly enough, the creative process is virtually
the same. Wonderful then, wonderful now.
charly
What is your favourite Bowie album Mike?
MikeGarson
Obviously I love Aladdin Sane, but also Hunky Dory, Young
Americans, and Outside.
bigbrother
hello mike, looking good-feeling great?, please will you
persuade david to perform "lady grinning soul" or "somebody up there" on the tour!
MikeGarson
I will pass it on....
laurence
Hi Mike ! Thanks for being with us tonight. How 's David
a few minutes before entering the stage ? Is he nervous ?
MikeGarson
More focussed than nervous. Perhaps a bit tense -- until
he hits the stage.
deiwob
Greg Peck died yesterday. What was/is your favorite actor ?
MikeGarson
I love Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart. Jimmy Stewart
nemesis
If you were us and we were you, what question would you ask
us... uhm, you... uhm, you get the drift... ?
MikeGarson
I love the question, I'd probably be asking questions about
the creative process, and the connection between spirituality and music.
whenimfive
if you could be a fly on the wall, where would that be??
MikeGarson
In my own mind.
ladyofthelake
How did it come to the Bowie/Garson connection ( long,
long time ago ;) )?
MikeGarson
A singer named Annette Peacock introduced me to him. She
actually told David about me. I played on one of her records and she liked my
playing. Mick Ronson recorded one of her songs, called 'I'm the One' and I played
on that too.
captnsdgtr
I am amazed by the range of musical styles you compose
and perform in. I've read that you were trained in classical piano, but how did
you get from there into jazz and rock?
MikeGarson
Not easily. I felt a need to improvise and write my own
music. And the classical world was too limiting for me, except of course my own
classical pieces which I composed myself.
LoveLow
why did you cut of your hair (looks good btw)?
MikeGarson
Because there was not too much left...
mompou
Do you ever write for film scores? How about writing a score
for a silent movie with David Bowie as the protagonist?
MikeGarson
I'd love that! I did compose the score to 'Stigmata' with
Billy Corgan. I also wrote the closing credits theme for Natalie Imbruglia called
'Identify' for that same film.
Enrico
Can you tell us about the Mike Garson band that opened the
Diamon Dogs tour? what songs were you playing back then? and any recording left?
MikeGarson
First date was on the Young Americans tour that the Garson
Band opened for David. Luther Vandross was singing, David Sanborn on sax, There
might be some bootlegs floating around, I dunno.
pdxjac
What has been your favorite sounding Bowie tour
MikeGarson
There were several periods I enjoyed. I loved the Spiders,
I loved the Young Americans, the Outside band, and of course, I love the current
band immensely.
caroline
do you play any other instruments besides the keyboards?
MikeGarson
Nothing worth speaking of. :)
caroline
Have you started rehearsals yet?
MikeGarson
Not yet.
caroline
Can you give us a hint about what kind of songs are on the
new album?
MikeGarson
Nope! But its GREAT!
pdxjac
Are you useing Reason more now?
MikeGarson
Only a little bit. I like the program 'Live' though.
Bianca
How did you become involved working live Smashing Pumpkins
live some years back?
MikeGarson
They were looking for a keyboard player, David wasn't working
at the time, and I liked their music -- so I thought I'd give it a go. It was
a fun tour. I even did their final tour and last show, which, sooner or later
there will be a 5hr DVD of.
RaMOANa
Matt says you have a new grandson! CONGRATS!!!
MikeGarson
He'll be 5 years old next month. And a true character,
at that.
Unicorn
Do you play mouth-organ?
MikeGarson
No.
Bianca
How important is improvisation in your piano-playing nowadays
compared to the past?
MikeGarson
Very important, about 80% of everything I do these days
is improvised.
pdxjac
Have you tried the new Moog?
MikeGarson
Not yet.
whenimfive
are you involved in any charities
MikeGarson
Nothing in particular. Occasionaly I've done performances
for various charities such as 'City of Hope'.
pdxjac
Do you give lessons on Improvising?
MikeGarson
Occasionally, when someone is very passionate about it.
They're more like consultations, though.
Theodora
What's the meaning of life?
MikeGarson
Create.
LoveLow
if you weren't a musician what would you do?
MikeGarson
Be a doctor.
kate7
How much joy was it for you to play the complete LOW album on
the last tour?
MikeGarson
LoveLow (ID=632) (Jun 13, 2003 3:09:46 PM)
kate7
How much joy was it for you to play the complete LOW album on
the last tour?
MikeGarson
It was challenging, and somewhat joyful...
Unicorn
What's your favourite movie?
MikeGarson
It's a wonderful life.
dreamgurl420
Just curious...What is your astrological sign, and would
you say it fits you?
MikeGarson
Leo. Some of it is accurate. And some of it, one can change
when you know about the weaker elements of it.
f0ld
do you ever get sick of having to look at bowies butt when you're
on stage?
MikeGarson
The thought never occurred to me.
sejdb
if you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?
MikeGarson
Right where I am.
ladyofthelake
Does it feel good, to be you?
MikeGarson
Yes, but sometimes there are rough obstacles to overcome.
But everyone has that.
nemesis
thrusty?
MikeGarson
No comment.
kate7
How do you spend your spare time (if any?!)?
MikeGarson
Compose, play the piano, spend time with my wife, children,
and grandson.
RogInLA
What are you going to do after todays chat?
MikeGarson
I'm recording today in my studio.
f0ld
how long have you been married?
MikeGarson
35 years.
bigbrother
who is your favourite composer
MikeGarson
I have several. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Liszt,
Rachminoff, and Gershwin.
Bianca
What is the most enjoyable part of being "on the road"?
MikeGarson
When a great performance occurs. What we call "The Magic".
mego
Can you juggle fire?
MikeGarson
I'll eat it.
bent
What do you think of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an exhibition?
Do you ever play it?
MikeGarson
I love that peice.
captnsdgtr
If you could pick one song/piece and one venue, what would
you play and where?
MikeGarson
I'd improvise something on the spot. Trying to capture
how I felt at that given moment.
bigbrother
do you like eric sarte?
MikeGarson
I do.
f0ld
do you have any piercings or tattoos?
MikeGarson
Zero
bigbrother
hammersmith was just that for me, was it for you
MikeGarson
Which Hammersmith??
bigbrother
hammersmith 2002, i was at the front in front of you
MikeGarson
Very good show. We've had even better though.
mompou
Do you like the movie Spinal Tap?
MikeGarson
Its funny.
Theodora
What is your biggest flaw?
MikeGarson
Thinking too much.
whenimfive
What is yyour all time favorite Bowie hairstyle? Why does
he keep changing them?
MikeGarson
I love the Ziggy one.
whenimfive
What is yyour all time favorite Bowie hairstyle? Why does
he keep changing them?
MikeGarson
He probably changes them for variety... and boredom.
mompou
At which point do you collaborate with Bowie. From point zero,
or after looking at a lyric sheet?
MikeGarson
It has varied over the years. Every which way possible.
mompou
Do you love Afro-Cuban music? Your style is sort of like Bartok meets
Cuco Sanchez.
MikeGarson
I do like Afro-Cuban music. I love a John Coltrane piece
called Afro Blue.
whenimfive
Do you write lyrics?
MikeGarson
Very, very seldom.
Unicorn
Does David sometimes hear Marc Bolan's music?
MikeGarson
I guess so.
bent
Is your playing on the new album as avant garde as on Outside
and to some degree Earthling, or is it more conventional? Or is that secret too?
;p
MikeGarson
That's a secret too...
whenimfive
What is it about David that amazes you the most?
MikeGarson
His flexibility as an artist, and his refusal to rest on
his laurels. Always searching intent. Incidently he's got a phenomenal voice.
pdxjac
have you ever questioned what you were playing on davids records and
then later really liked it
MikeGarson
I usually know if it's happening, and if it's not, I try
to do a re-take.
mego
What's one thing about yourself (no Bowie!) that you'd like for
us all to know?
MikeGarson
That I love creating, all the time, in one form or another.
pdxjac
do your belive in once is aq mistake twice is jazz?
MikeGarson
Not really.
captnsdgtr
What's your proudest moment?
MikeGarson
The birth of my children.
Theodora
What's the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
MikeGarson
My wife -- knowing when reel me in -- on somewhat of a
continual basis.
mompou
Will you take your kids to the circus on Fathers' Day? I hear
it's in town.
MikeGarson
Both my kids are married -- so no.
bent
Have you done any solo touring recently, or are you planning
to do some?
MikeGarson
I've done a few solo concerts around the country over the
last few months. They have been very, very enjoyable. I'll be picking that up
after the Bowie Tour finishes. I'm also going to Taiwan for 10 concerts next year.
Bianca
Which is the latest concert you have been to ?
MikeGarson
Went to see the Rolling Stones.
lgsstef
A friend of mine had been to the NAMM music fair this year as a worker
for Ernie Ball. Have you been there, too?
MikeGarson
No, I haven't
Bianca
Are there any CDs you would like to recommend?
MikeGarson
Missa Solemnis, by Beethoven
Bianca
Are there any CDs you would like to recommend?
MikeGarson
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Miles Davis -- Kind of
Blue
Bianca
Are there any CDs you would like to recommend?
MikeGarson
Bill Evans -- Live at the Village Vanguard
whenimfive
what's your tip of the day?
MikeGarson
Relax. Be in the moment. Stay aware of everything that
comes out of your mouth.
MikeGarson
(This user is now known as Webmaster)
Webmaster
Mike Garson has left the building.
