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GERRY GILLARD

printable biog page 1

Born in Airdrie Scotland 1957, and being the son of a brilliant pianist, meant that Gerry spent his formative years travelling the length and breadth of the UK, before establishing himself finally in Cornwall during the early 1970's.

Gerry has spent his whole life learning the art of guitar playing, singing, songwriting and entertaining. His earliest influences being Marc Bolan, Mott the Hoople, David Bowie, The Stones, Nazareth and Chuck Berry.

As his guitar skills evolved, players such as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Roy Buchanon, Santana, les Paul and Chet Atkins became his focus. His insatiable appetite for creative and innovative techniques has given him an incredibly diverse playing style.

Since recording his debut album 'Birds of Prey' in 1987 he has also run his own recording studio 'Granite Music' and guitar shop 'flamingo Music' both in Cornwall.

Gerry became the UK demonstrator for 'Carlton Guitar Amps' and continued on to play and work with many professionals allover the UK and Europe. Over the past years Gerry has self-financed the production of three CD's of original music and to date has written over 60 diverse songs and instrumentals.

Due to a disastrous management deal in the late 8O's Gerry has until now steered clear of promoters and management. He now feels the time is right to start trusting people again and has signed with AHPromotions of Cumbria.

In April 1999, Gerry survived a near fatal 90ft cliff fall in Cornwall and was considered very lucky to escape with only a broken hip and hand fractures! The following 18 months of recovery brought about a change of attitude and direction in Gerry, which was clearly apparent in his following bout of creativity. producing his latest bluesy, soulful, melodic songs and instrumentals. A subsequent phase of corrective surgery in November 2000 to remove plates and bolts from his hip repair, now sees Gerry fit and healthy again, writing and performing with a renewed passion and vigour.

Since moving to Cumbria Gerry has played at The Kirkland festival, Kendal, twice, The Brewery Arts Centre, and the first Kendal International Guitar festival with Jerry Donahue, Gordon Giltrap, Johnny Dickinson, les Wilson & the Mighty House Rockets and Aynsley Uster. He has also appeared at the Maryport Blues Festival and the Colne Blues Festival. He has shared stages with Clannad, Wilko Johnson, Tom Principato, Joanna Conner, Mick Pinni, Ten Years After, Kent DuChaine, Lou Martin (Rory Gallagher's keyboard player).

His highlight of 2004 was meeting and actually jamming with Jerry Donahue at The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal.

With almost 30 years experience behind him and now based in the North West of the UK. Gerry's commitment to his playing, singing and entertaining is even stronger than ever. His latest album, Sept 2004, was recorded live in deepest Cumbria and shows Gerry's unique prowess to the full. For an eclectic mixture of blues, rock, country and funk, acoustic or electric. solo or with his band Gerry must not be missed!