John Garza

Born in Houston Texas John started singing at 6 years of age with "a voice that made the old ladies cry". In his teens he spent a lot of time playing as a solo artist at coffee houses like "Sand Mountain" (where Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt got started) and parties with friends. He won outstanding vocalist in Houston while in the band The Midnight Shift (originaly called TOBY) and opened for local bands like and (Later became ZZ Top), then spent a year or more singing with the band . renowned jazz musician and composer for the New York Philharmonic. He later appeared on the as one of 4 artists along with Nanci Griffith. Instrumental in the Austin Texas music scene he has opened for people like: The Vaughn Brothers (Jimmy & Stevie Ray), and the Texas Tornados, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Rush, Marcia Ball, on the same bill with Lucinda Williams. More recently he has opened for Taj Mahal, The Outlaws, John Stewart, Alice Walker, and Hermans Hermits. As an actor John has performed in the roles of, Ron in "HAIR"(1990) opening the show as lead vocalist in Aquarius, in "Jesus Christ Superstar"(1993), and Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof"(1999). John appears as a backup vocalist on the song "Fool For A Blonde" from the movie classic . Recently John has found a place on the internet as an up and coming Indie Artist with excellent reviews on many sites.

Yes, Ive been performing live since I was a child. I use to play 6 and 7 nights a week at most any place that would hire me. I've never had a problem getting gigs. These days I'm a bit more particular about where I play. I believe in quality not quantity. Of course, I love it!

I like people like John Lennon, David Crosby, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Livingston Taylor (James' brother)and too many others to list. It doesn't mean I sound like them. Just influenced.

I use computers, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Behringer mixer, any instruments I can get my hands on. In live performance I have a SUNN P.A. and I use an Audio Technica ATM 41a microphone for vocals. I have a Gurrion Acoustic Guitar circa 1974 with a DeMarzio pick up, and a DanElectro electric guitar circa 1957.

I remember the time I opened for Taj Mahal, I was sitting back stage and He came over and sat next to me. People were asking him all kinds of questions while he was trying to eat, I mean each time he tried to take a mouthful of food someone would ask a question. Being a polite man he would stop and answer. At one point some one asked him "What cha gonna do tommorrow Taj?" he looked at me and he said "I'm gonna take a hot bath, smoke a big cigar, and I'm not gonna answer any questions!" looking at me he said "Right Bro!" I answered "Right!" and with that we slapped hands and smiled. Everyone around us couldn't fiqure out what happened, but it was a cool moment of comradery between he and I.

All the music I write is written spontaneously, I just turn on a tape player and go. I use to sit down and try to write lyrics and music, but I found that too confining. Now I can write in any genre because I let myself go free to express what's inside of me. I believe the message is the point and the Musician is a vehicle for that message. If the heart has something to say it's easier to just let go..