Mike Garson American pianist Date of Birth: 29.07.1945 Country: USA

1. American Pianist Mike Garson
2. Collaboration with David Bowie
3. Other Collaborations
4. Later Years

American Pianist Mike Garson

In the early 1970s, Mike Garson gained recognition as a member of the band Brethren, known for their blend of rock, country, and jazz. The group, featuring Rick Marotta, Tom Cosgrove, and Stu Woods, released two elusive albums on Tiffany Records. Garson also contributed to Annette Peacock's experimental album "I'm the One," which caught the attention of David Bowie.

Collaboration with David Bowie

When Peacock declined Bowie's invitation to join his tour, Garson embarked on a long-standing collaboration with the legendary artist. He played piano and keyboards on the latter part of the "Ziggy Stardust" tour and made a significant impact on Bowie's album "Aladdin Sane." Garson's avant-garde jazz sensibilities infused the record with extended, sometimes atonal piano solos.

Garson continued to work on Bowie's subsequent albums, including Mick Ronson's "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" and the groundbreaking "Diamond Dogs" and "Young Americans." His keyboard playing provided a metronomic backdrop for Bowie's vocals on "We Are the Dead" and a driving pulse on the title track of "Young Americans."

Other Collaborations

Beyond his work with Bowie, Garson collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Nine Inch Nails, Billy Corgan, and the Smashing Pumpkins. He also performed with the band Free Flight.

Later Years

Garson continued to collaborate with David Bowie throughout the years, notably on the albums "The Buddha of Suburbia" and the ambitious "1.Outside." He remains an active musician and has performed with various orchestras and ensembles worldwide.