CHRIS GARTNER is a Toronto based producer, bass player/multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He has been a sought after accompanist on recordings, and tours around the world for over 30 years.
Chris has produced JUNO nominated recordings, and has played on movie soundtracks, cartoons, jingles, and radio & television themes. His unique style can be heard on over 100 albums.
Youtube views of recordings he has played on are into the millions.
Gartner has performed and recorded with a wide spectrum of artists including:
Grammy winning instrumentalists DAVID DARLING (cello), and GARTH HUDSON (of The BAND),
plus KEVIN HEARN (of Barenaked Ladies), LOOK PEOPLE, MARY MARGARET O'HARA, EIVIND AARSET, and LOREENA MCKENNITT among many others.
Latest News!
5/16/24
Wrapped production work on Ian North's new album:
"Everything is Incomplete". Guests include Lori Cullen and Ernie Tollar.
Great to see the first single show up in Billboard Canada.
12/07/23
Session with Kevin Hearn and Grammy winning producer Eric Ratz
at Jim Creegan's studio. Davide Direnzo was on drums, and Brian MacMillan on guitar.
1/14/23
Exciting live performances with Norwegian guitar pioneer Eivind Aarset.
Evind came to Canada to perform with Minor Empire as a special guest for shows in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The shows were recorded for an upcoming live release.
10/12/22
Great show at Toronto's legendary
Massey Hall with Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene),
Andy Maize (Skydiggers), violinist Hugh Marsh, drummer Davide Direnzo, and cellist
Steph Seki, for Dream Serenade 2022.
The annual concert celebrates and supports children with exceptionalities, and their caregivers.
19/28/22
Performed with NYC guitarist Avi Bortnick when he joined Minor Empire for shows in Toronto and Montreal. Avi is well known from his work with John Scofield.
These shows are being recorded for a future live cd.
06/24/22
Produced and mixed by Chris Gartner, 'Home Songs' by Genevieve Walker
is now out on Blue Yarn Records. This is the second album Gartner has produced for Walker.
Many know Genevieve’s beautiful violin playing from her work with Stars,
and Kirtan artist Krishna Das. This album is a beautiful showcase for Genevieve's soulful playing and haunting compositions. The album features cellist Noah Hoffeld, vocalist Rafe Pearlman, and Grammy winning Steve Gorn on bansuri flute.
In addition to production, and arranging, Gartner also added bass, ambient textures,
and whistling!
Click here to listen to the album.
06/01/22
Blood Wonder produced by Lori Cullen, and Chris Gartner, has been released.
The album is a beautiful showcase for Lori's highly original songs, singing, and guitar playing.
A highlight of the record is a gorgeous string arrangement on the track Anymore or anyless from Grammy nominated arranger Drew Jureka.
The album also features Thom Gill (Bernice) on guitar and keyboards, Stephen Foster (Om House) on drums, and Michelle Willis (David Crosby Band) on harmony vocals.
Aside from production duties, and bass, Gartner added subtle samples, and ambient touches throughout. Click here to listen to the album.
05/14/21
Kevin Hearn announces the release of the original motion picture soundtrack he composed for the critically acclaimed documentary "There Are No Fakes." The film was nominated for six Canadian Screen Awards.
Presented by Celery Music and Cave 7 Productions, the album is available on all digital platforms and a limited vinyl edition. Chris Gartner plays bass on this soundtrack, Hugh Marsh is on violin, and Gavin Brown is on drums.
29/01/19
Calm and Cents, produced by Kevin Hearn, Chris Gartner,
and Hugh Marsh has been nominated for a 2019 JUNO award for
Best Instrumental Album.
06/14/19
Kevin Hearn's Calm and Cents, produced by Kevin Hearn, Chris Gartner, and Hugh Marsh has been released.
It features a guest performance by Martin Tielli of the Rheostatics, and JUNO-award winning Gavin Brown on drums.
The music was recorded at Kevin's secluded studio in Northern Ontario.