Cruisey folk grooves, bluesy soul, and guitar mastery that began in the cafés and backroom bars of 1970s Melbourne that led to concert supports for legendary Australian bands such as Australian Crawl and the Models, and later touring with artists like Marcia Hines and Kasey Chambers. GD Gardner is a singer-songwriter, lifelong guitarist, seasoned performer & inventor of the 5 String Capo, whose music walks the dusty tracks between vintage blues, acoustic soul, and laid-back folky roots storytelling.
At the heart of his sound lies the six-string acoustic guitar—fingerpicked, rhythmic, and deeply expressive. It’s the backbone of both his recordings and live performances. While his distinctive dobro slide work adds spice and vintage flair, it remains a tasteful accompaniment not the focus. On stage, it’s the acoustic that does the talking.
With mellow, heartfelt vocals and a feel for songs that balance levity, longing, and quiet revelations, Gardner crafts music that feels familiar but never fades. Rooted in the tradition of acoustic storytellers yet never stuck in the past, his sound is both nostalgic and vibrantly new, bluesy for modern ears.
His album Cruisey & Bluesy, subtitled The Best of GD Gardner, is a laid-back, folky blues blend of storytelling and soulful grooves. It brings together standout songs from past releases with fresh new tracks, all recorded with a relaxed yet refined touch. From the lyrical warmth of “River Mercy” and “Time Honey Money” to the rhythmic drive of “Steel on Wheels” and “The Way You Move,” the album draws listeners into a space that’s heartfelt, timeless, and quietly powerful.
For lovers of fine guitar picking, heartfelt grooves, and the warm crackle of honest songwriting in the tradition of Mississippi John Hurt, Bonnie Raitt, and JJ Cale. GD Gardner gives the listener a feeling of ease and intimacy, music that settles in beside you like an old friend.
1. Seems Like You Do
A lyrical dance of contradiction and connection. Fingerstyle acoustic carries the emotion while dobro solos shine without overpowering.
A warm, bluesy reflection on unspoken love and mixed signals.
2. Steel on Wheels
Rolling acoustic rhythm with dobro slides. A travelling song about departure, distance, and change.
A rolling acoustic tribute travel, and the rhythm of leaving.
3. Trademark
Groove-heavy instrumental with confident fingerstyle playing and swagger.
A toe-tapping acoustic groove that showcases Gardner’s mastery.
4. River Mercy
Fingerpicked ballad of introspection and grace with gentle Dobro slide.
An acoustic meditation on redemption and flow.
5. Time Honey Money
Bluesy acoustic rhythms about time, love, and earning. Dobro dips in with flavor.
A rootsy reflection on life’s push and pull.
6. Baby Please Don’t Go
A soulful version of the classic, highlighting Dobro and acoustic interplay.
Raw and intimate, echoing classic blues soul.
7. Sleep Beneath the Stars
Warm acoustic with subtle Dobro tells a story of heartbreak and displacement.
A quietly devastating track where sleeping outside becomes metaphor.
8. Champions
A soaring instrumental built on elegant fingerstyle and confidence.
A cinematic instrumental tribute to quiet triumph.
9. I Do
Simple and sincere acoustic love song.
Warm, plainspoken, timeless expression of devotion.
10. The Way You Move
Playful groove-driven track with acoustic charm.
A bluesy acoustic nod to irresistible attraction.
11. Hey Little Sister
A vintage style folk-blues song with a protective, story-driven tone.
A rootsy tale of care and connection with timeless charm.
12. Winds Aloft
Atmospheric instrumental filled with acoustic wonder.
A poetic acoustic reverie carried by wind and emotion.