|
Garry GreenlandGarry was born in Toronto Ontario, with a tone ring in his hand, and a hankerin' for the blues in bluegrass.
In the 60's , he went off to play banjo for Frank Wakefield. Too young for a legal drink, he'd hang out "outside the bar" until gig time, get up on stage, and drive the banjo like a seasoned pro. Later, in the 70's, he played for the late great Charlie Moore , a bluegrass legend from South Carolina. Over the years Garry has been on stage with Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, and many other bluegrass legends. He also appeared on the Tommy Hunter and Ian Tyson television shows. From about 1970-73 he played with the popular band Cody with Mike O'Reilly, and later was a regular fill-in with the Humber River Valley Boys with Randy and Rocky Hill. In between times, he was featured in several bands, and was a sought after session player, advisor, and producer. In the early to mid eighties, he co-founded Maple Hill. More recently, Garry played banjo with Canadian band Hard Ryde. ...Fast forward to today, and Garry is again using his talents to guide and shape the Maple Hill sound. His penchant for a complete entertainment package means that audiences enjoy an engaged and well put together show. In addition to his performances, Garry is an accomplished and highly respected bluegrass teacher. For over 30 years he has taught Scruggs style banjo, mandolin, guitar, and "band" classes (teaching folks to play together, to understand the music as a whole and to support the singer and each other.) Garry has taught dozens of serious players who have gone on to be successful band members. Garry is also sought after to repair instruments - he pretty much lives and breathes bluegrass and gospel music. Garry was awarded by Bluegrass Music Association of Canada and Valley Grass for his huge contribution to bluegrass music in Teaching and Mentoring. The award was presented at the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards in Nov 2013. p. s. The banjo Sean Lundy is playing belonged to Garry's grandpa, then his dad, and now Garry. Apparently bluegrass is genetic. :) |
