"Americans are proud of being American. Blues music originated in America. Blues music is the mother of nearly all the “popular” music we have today. So, let’s recognize this and hold the blues up to its’ rightful place as one of the greatest American creations."

Tim Gartland: The Right Amount of Funky

Harmonica player/songwriter/singer Tim Gartland will be released his sixth solo album, The Right Amount of Funky by Taste Good Music on April 25th, 2025. The Right Amount of Funky was recorded at Biglittle Recording studio in Nashville, TN and co-produced by Tim Gartland and studio owner Andy Peake. Joining Gartland on the album are Jack Bruno (Joe Cocker, Tina Turner) on drums, Mike Joyce (Delbert McClinton) on bass, Robert Frahm on electric guitar and Nalani Rothrock on background vocals. Andy Peake adds percussion and additional background vocals. Dennis Drummond provides acoustic guitar and backing vocals and Jolie Grace delivers backing vocal support. The eight songs on the album blending blues / soul / roots rock and reggae, were all written or co-written by Tim Gartland. The album was carefully crafted and constructed ensuring each song could reach its’ full potential. The songs on TIM GARTLAND's Right Amount of Funky are a culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the craft of writing and playing roots/blues music that began when Gartland entered his teens. Seeing Muddy Waters in concert in his home state of Ohio at age 13 proved to be a life changing experience that would inspire Gartland to learn the blues on the harmonica and begin his musical journey.                                         (Photo: Tim Gartland)

Upon moving to Chicago after graduating college, Gartland immersed himself in the Chicago roots/blues scene. He studied with famed harmonica player, Jerry Portnoy (Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton) and played with such greats as Bo Diddley, Carey Bell, Big Jack Johnson and Pinetop Perkins. Gartland has been deeply influenced by the “greats” Little Walter for his harp playing, Ray Charles for his interpretation of a song, Willie Dixon for his songwriting. After moving to Boston in 1989, Gartland became a key player in the Boston blues circuit. He made frequent appearances at blues festivals as well as guest artist appearances with the top tier musicians in this talent rich area. Tim Gartland relocated to Nashville in 2015. He became an active member of the Nashville Songwriters Association and was honored to be named to their "ones to watch list". In addition to his writing and performing pursuits, Tim is a teacher and author. He wrote an instructional manual “The Talking Harmonica” and teaches online all over the country.

Interview by Michael Limnios         Special Thanks: Karen Leipziger/KL Productions

How has the Blues and Roots music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I was born and raised in Ohio. But the music I loved originated in the south and later in part moved to Chicago. I moved to Chicago after graduating from college at Kent State to Chicago to listen, learn and play, Later as I have had the opportunity, I have visited all the sacred musical places in the south. I even moved south, and live in Nashville now.

How do you describe your music philosophy and songbook? What touched you from the sound of harmonica?

I am deeply rooted in blues, but have branched out and embraced other genres such as soul, funk, rock and roll and country. The sound of the harmonica grabbed when I was around 12 years old, a neighbor was wailing away on one on his porch.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Well, I started as a kid which I think is an advantage over starting as an adult.  It has beed a long journey, and I have made about every mistake in the book as I  have traveled my path to where I am today. What remains the same is the passion and drive to learn and improve in the crafts of song writing, singing and harmonica playing.

”Well blues will never die because it is the foundation of a large portion of music that is played this day. The important thing for the music is us artists continue to build upon what has been the history while not being a slave to it. That requires looking inside yourself and telling your story.” (Photo: Tim Gartland)

What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What moment changed your music life the most?

Wow, I have so many on my list! I guess I will start with Muddy Waters, Ray Charles and Little Walter. I would like to add Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis. I was already playing the harmonica when my older brother took me to see Muddy Waters when I was 13 year old, my first concert. That changed my life and set me on my current trajectory..

What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “The Right Amount of Funky”?

I guess the fact that I get a great deal of satisfation when people say how much they like my songs/recordings. I feel that making and sharing music helps to make the world just a wee bit happier! For me I think what was most interesting about this album was my deep dive into background vocal parts and developing them and hearing them on the songs. I found myself listening to “The Pips, and of course all the Motown records. Also Ry Cooder’s albums from the 70’s like "Bop To You Drop”.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Meeting and talking with the blues greats like Robert Jr. Lockwood, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton and Jerry Portnoy to name a few. If you listen to them, you can learn. To look within yourself play music and write about things that you are passionate about. That way you will be unique.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

Well blues will never die because it is the foundation of a large portion of music that is played this day. The important thing for the music is us artists continue to build upon what has been the history while not being a slave to it. That requires looking inside yourself and telling your story.                                          (Photo: Tim Gartland)

”You know I have always loved live music in a night club setting (versus big venue shows). Many have closed, I hope there will a trend in the future where we begin seeing more of this type of club opening again.”

What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

Well to have good music your best to have healthy mix of technique and soul and emotion. The later becomes easier when you sing/play what you are personally passionate about. All of have our unique story to tell! Tell your and the music will be emotional and soulful.

Are there any specific memories with Jerry Portnoy and Lockwood Jr. would like to tell us about?!

Overall, I was all ears when I was in the presence of these greats. I do have a specific memory with Robert Lockwood Jr. Who came to see me perform and sat in. He said that I should change up my melody when singing the repeat line of a standard blues formatted song. Jerry Portnoy corrected my tongue blocking technique on the harp which I was doing wrong for 15 years.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

As a teenager, hearing other horn players, saxophones etc and wanting to make my harmonica to sound as musical as the tone they were getting.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I have never allowed my self to believe I could have such an influence but I guess it can be so. What I do, what I discovered during my journey is that when you look inward and write about what is important to you, by definition it will original because we all have our unique perspective. These feelings are reflective of my lyrics, my stories I sing about. Every song I sing I believe, therefore it is a super easy to sing with conviction. As far as music composition, I am always searching to change up let’s say a standard format to make it unique and fresh.

"I am deeply rooted in blues, but have branched out and embraced other genres such as soul, funk, rock and roll and country. The sound of the harmonica grabbed when I was around 12 years old, a neighbor was wailing away on one on his porch." (Photo: Tim Gartland)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

You know I have always loved live music in a night club setting (versus big venue shows). Many have closed, I hope there will a trend in the future where we begin seeing more of this type of club opening again.

What would you say characterizes Music City blues scene in comparison to other local US scenes and circuits?

I was say it is underrated and poised to emerge as a great place to hear blues music and artists.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

That playing in a band is a team sport. You must hear and listen to what your band mates are doing and complement each other with the common goal of making good music. That includes keeping your ears open and your head up and eyes open to facilitate that connection. Don’t play for yourself!

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Americans are proud of being American. Blues music originated in America. Blues music is the mother of nearly all the “popular” music we have today. So, let’s recognize this and hold the blues up to its’ rightful place as one of the greatest American creations.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

I would go to 1956, Chicago a Saturday night in July where I could catch sets by Little Walter and Muddy Waters.

Tim Gartland - Home

(Photo: Tim Gartland)