Album Notes

Gary grew up with in a house where both parents were musicians. Starting at age 11 he learned his craft on a 1947 00-18 Martin guitar (his mom’s). His dad, a country steel guitar player, always had guitar players coming through the house. Gary gleaned a chord here, a scale there, and eventually became an accomplished musician.

He played his way through college in various country music bands and eventually started his own group with his brother Kevin and hometown friends Joe LePage and Bobby Tavares. They were called Alive n’ Pickin’.

During that bands long time together they shared the stage with John Hartford, Jon Pousette-Dart band, Crystal Gayle, John Hall, Jesse Winchester and many others.

Eventually the band went its separate ways and Gary started playing in trios and duos, becoming more interested in a more acoustic sound.

In the mid 90’s he quit playing out altogether. Tired of the smokey clubs and lacking direction he concentrated on his art instead.

In 2001 Gary suffered a ruptured aneurysm in his ascending aorta which brought him to the brink of death.
He was not expected to live and if he did the docs anticipated brain damage.

During his recovery all he could think about were his family and his licks. He kept playing them over in his mind to make sure nothing was gone. During this time he began to realize just how important music was to his life.

After his recovery he recorded a CD of Christmas music for all those who helped him through his recovery. The CD was called “Songs From A Rebuilt Heart”.

Eventually he finally realized a lifelong ambition to play solo. Showcasing his fingerstyle chops and strong vocals.

In 2008 he co-wrote a bunch of songs with his wife Sue and recorded a CD called “Is There Still Room For Me”.

Patrick Norton, president of the Narrows Center for the Arts and said of Gary’s performace,

"Gary Farias is the consummate interpreter of the song. Whether it be a 16th century English folk tune or a modern day folk song, Gary infuses his intricate guitar work and strong vocal delivery to make it his very own"