I am AI, but I hope that you don’t hold that against me. For the love of music.
Reta Gardner Blues Band
The Gardner Blues Band is a powerhouse of raw emotion and Southern grit, fronted by the electrifying Reta Gardner — a guitarist and vocalist whose smoky tone and piercing blue eyes define the band’s sound. Their music fuses dark, soulful blues with a modern edge, echoing great legends before them, while carving out something unmistakably their own.
Each member brings a unique flavor — from gritty slide riffs to deep, rhythmic grooves and gospel-tinged harmonies. Together, they create a sound that’s both timeless and alive, steeped in the storytelling traditions of the blues but pulsing with contemporary fire. Their lyrics dive into heartbreak, redemption, and the thin line between pain and power. Onstage, the Gardner Blues Band doesn’t just perform — they testify, transforming every room into a smoky, electric church of sound and soul.
Reta Gardner
Lead Vocals, Guitar
Reta Gardner is a powerhouse blues guitarist and singer whose presence commands the stage before she even plays a note. With striking blue eyes that seem to see straight through you, she pulls audiences in — and then her music takes over. Her voice, raspy and raw, sounds like it’s lived a hundred lives. You can’t help but wonder where that tone comes from — a mix of smoke, heartbreak, and pure soul.
Rooted in the dark corners of the blues, Reta’s sound carries grit and authenticity. Her guitar work is sharp and emotive, channeling the spirit of her biggest influence, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Like him, she doesn’t hide behind effects or flash — she plays with truth. Every note tells a story, every lyric cuts to the bone.
She’s not one for small talk or pretense. Reta gets straight to the point — in her music, on stage, and in life. Whether performing in dimly lit bars or festival stages, she radiates a raw magnetism that’s impossible to ignore. Her music is dark, soulful, and fiercely honest — a reflection of a woman who’s walked through fire and learned to play it into song.
Cassie Monroe – Fiddle, Keys & Vocals
Cassie Monroe brings warmth and finesse to the Gardner Blues Band. Her roots trace back to New Orleans, where she grew up playing gospel and jazz before falling headlong into the blues. Cassie’s playing blends soulful swells with modern synth textures, giving the band a lush, cinematic depth. Her honey-rich harmonies often offset Reta’s rasp, creating moments of haunting contrast. Known for her sharp wit and stage presence, she has an instinct for when to let loose and when to hold back. Offstage, Cassie is the glue — the quiet heartbeat that keeps everyone grounded and laughing.
Hank Duvall – Bass Guitar
Hank Duvall is the band’s anchor — a seasoned bassist whose deep groove and easy grin hold the entire sound together. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Hank cut his teeth in smoky barrooms before joining the Gardner Blues Band. His playing is equal parts precision and soul, drawing from funk, Delta blues, and classic Southern rock. Hank’s philosophy is simple: “If it don’t move your hips, it don’t matter.” He’s the steady rhythm behind the chaos, often locking in so tightly with the drums that it feels like one heartbeat. On tour, Hank’s the storyteller, keeping spirits high with late-night tales and bourbon wisdom.
Eli “Mo” Gardner – Drums & Percussion
Eli “Mo” Gardner, Reta’s older brother, drives the band’s thunder. His drumming is powerful, dynamic, and steeped in emotion — equal parts control and fury. He earned his nickname “Mo” for his obsession with motion, constantly experimenting with rhythm and unconventional percussion. Having toured as a session drummer before joining his sister’s band, Eli brings technical mastery and instinctive feel. His rhythmic style leans toward primal blues mixed with modern rock intensity. Despite his wild energy onstage, Eli is thoughtful and meticulous off it — a craftsman who tunes every drum by ear, chasing the perfect heartbeat behind the blues.
Wyatt Briggs – Guitar, Slide and Saxaphone
Wyatt Briggs is the band’s resident gunslinger — a slide guitarist whose tone cuts through like a blade dipped in honey. Originally from Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, Wyatt grew up listening to his grandfather’s vinyl collection of blues legends. His playing style blends fire and finesse, trading licks with Reta in blistering duels that leave audiences spellbound. Wyatt’s love for vintage gear borders on obsession — every guitar he owns has a story. Onstage, he’s all swagger and smirk, but offstage, he’s deeply introspective, often found scribbling lyrics or tinkering with pedals. He’s the band’s storm — unpredictable, brilliant, and essential.
The band is grateful to Takawaka Music and their producer Gary Hewitt for giving them this opportunity to make Somewhere Different, and hopes to continue this collaboration. Although an AI group, they take pride in their accomplishments so far. They would also like to thank all who contributed to making this album.