Garson was originally noticed when he played on the I'm the One album by early 1970s experimental artist Annette Peacock. When Peacock was asked by a very interested David Bowie to join him on his tour she refused. Garson however did not and so began one of the most enduring relationships in rock history.
Garson gave the piano and keyboard backing on the later Ziggy Stardust tour and his unique contribution to Aladdin Sane gave the album an avant garde jazz feel with long and sometimes atonal piano solos.
He played also for Mick Ronson (guitarist and sound of the "Spiders from Mars") on his first and last solo tour, and his first album (Slaughter on Tenth Avenue). Ironically he came to replace Ronson's role as Bowie's musical lieutenant on several occasions. Notably on 'We are the dead' from the 'Diamond Dogs' album, where Garson's metronome like keyboard provides a dramatic setting for Bowie's vocals and on the title track to 'Young Americans' where his jaunty piano leads the band. Garson played with Bowie on and off over the years, resurfacing on the The Buddha of Suburbia album and inspiring Bowie to experiment again. The ambitious Outside album was the result.
Parallel to this Garson engaged in his own solo career as a jazz pianist, pushing the bounds of his art. He is regarded in the industry as one of the very few 'rock' pianists capable of performing extended piano solos. He remains one of the most highly sought-after session musicians with a unique sound of his own which others wish to utilise for their own projects.
In 1993, Garson began a short-lived series of Screen Themes albums, jazz renditions of major themes and suites from film scores of 1993, and the following year, 1994. The latter album featured the recording debut of Jessica L. Tivens, at age 13, who had previously appeared on Star Search. Both albums were released by Discovery Records.
Garson worked with the reformed Spiders From Mars in 1975, alongside Mick Woodmansey, Trevor Bolder, Dave Black and Pete McDonald. They recorded just one album before going their separate ways.
He joined the Pumpkins for their Adore tour, playing piano, keyboards and synthesizer. His piano playing was an integral part of the Pumpkins' performance. After the tour, he joined Corgan on his solo effort—the soundtrack for the movie Stigmata. Garson did not perform the song "Le Deux Machina" on the Pumpkins' Machina II album, but did play on the corresponding piano section of "Glass and the Ghost Children" off of Machina/The Machines of God, which was actually excerpts of the version from The Friends and Enemies of Modern Music tape. Mike also played on Nine Inch Nails's album 'The Fragile' as well as with No Doubt and many other acts.
Recently Mike Garson appeared on Myspace with his own music site, and to date has released some 50 free tracks. He is currently working on 3 new albums as well as collaborating with several bands as touring player/session musician. His latest collaboration shows up on the last "met-on-Myspace" young french artist Kuta's album: "A Home" . Garson also contributed to and received co writing credit on the track "Something Unseen" by Athens, GA power pop band Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings. He has also been collaborating with the Norwegian band Sleepyard.
It's You Or No One
Mike Garson Lyrics
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How did I guess that the long loneliness was past.
I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew.
It's you or no one for me
I'm sure of this each time we kiss
Now and forever and when forever's done
You'll find that you are still the one
Please don't say no to my plea
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
There's this about you
My world's an empty world without you
It's you or no one for me
Please don't say no to my plea
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
There's this about you
My world's an empty world without you
It's you or no one for me
For me
The opening lines of Mike Garson's ballad, "It's You Or No One," speak of an intense and immediate connection between two individuals. The singer describes how they "knew" that the "long loneliness" they had been experiencing was now a thing of the past, the warmth of the other person's presence enveloping them in a comforting glow. The singer seems to suggest that the depths of their loneliness were such that they were able to recognize and appreciate the value of this connection with a rare and intense clarity.
The refrain of "It's You Or No One" repeats the central idea that this connection is the only one that matters to the singer. Each kiss confirms that this person is the one they want to be with "now and forever" - and even after forever. They plead with their partner not to say no, because the thought of losing them fills their world with emptiness. It is a straightforward and honest expression of love and dedication.
Line by Line Meaning
How did I know that the warmth of the glow would last.
I knew that the happiness I felt with you would persist forever.
How did I guess that the long loneliness was past.
I guessed that the despair I felt for a long time was over because of you.
I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew.
I realized instantly that I had the most wonderful feeling of love for you when I gazed into your eyes.
It's you or no one for me
I am certain that you are the only one for me.
I'm sure of this each time we kiss
Every time we kiss, I feel the same conviction that you are the only one for me.
Now and forever and when forever's done
My love for you will last forever, even beyond eternity.
You'll find that you are still the one
Despite the passage of time, you will always be the only one for me.
Please don't say no to my plea
I implore you not to reject my request.
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
If you reject me, my heart will be shattered, and I'll have nothing left.
There's this about you
The thing about you is that you mean everything to me.
My world's an empty world without you
Without you, the world would be a dark and desolate place.
For me
You are the only one that matters to me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULE STYNE, SAMMY CAHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind