Feature Articles

The Gardners

The Gardners are not a household name yet, but you have a sound that is ready for the Nation to hear. Who are the Gardners?

We are a family ministry that spans four decades.

What ties do you have to each other?

Twin brothers Mitchell and Michael Gardner, Mitchell’s wife Regina.

How would you describe the musical style of the Gardners?

A mix between Southern, Inspirational, Praise and Worship. Churchy!

What or who were the influences that allowed you to develope this style?

Regina grew up singing gospel music with her family. Through various church events, she and her family were closely associated with Geron Davis. Regina looked to Geron’s talents and abilities, desiring to shape her musical style after his. Mitchell and Michael grew up playing and singing with their family. They were exposed to various styles of Gospel Music. Since their teenage years, all three have lead praise and worship in their home churches. The Hinsons, Happy Goodmans, Lanny Wolfe Trio, and The Downings are a few of the groups they enjoyed.

Mitch, how difficult is it juggling the duties of singing and Pastoring?

I don’t really view it as a difficulty. I’m blessed with a lot of good assistance from my Dad, Rev. Malcolm Gardner, who serves as Senior Pastor and our Youth Pastor, Rev. Jimmy Kelley. Our church family really backs our Music Ministry and is understanding when it takes us away from our services. I must admit, however, sometimes my plate gets pretty full.

Regina, what is the most rewarding aspect of traveling and singing with your family?

Mitchell and I have always been very close. We were married 14 years before God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl, Jill Alexandra. Having Jill on the bus with us to enjoy all the sites, sounds and experiences that come along with singing Southern Gospel Music is a unique experience that the average American family will never know. Singing is just something we enjoy doing together. Home schooling Jill allows us to take extended singing trips.

What techniques do you have to keep the guys in line?

Being twin brothers Mitchell and Michael have always been very close. They almost never have a cross word. I can truly say that the three of us have never had a real problem even when closed up in a bus together for long periods of time. As you know, compromise and teamwork is the key to happiness in any relationship. The guys go the extra mile to make sure that Jill and I are comfortable. So I guess my answer would be, no real techniques are needed.

Are there any young Gardners that you are preparing to join the group some day?

Yes, Jill just turned 10. If there is time, she enjoys being part of the program. She has a couple of songs that she does. She is also in her 3rd year of piano.

Michael, who picks out and arranges the new material that the Gardners record?

All three of us have input into this decision along with the producer/president of our Record Company, Kevin McManus. Our first choice is to record our original material, then look at songs that have been submitted to us by other writers. Often Mitchell and I will write a song, and then get Regina, who is a very talented piano player, to rearrange the musical structure of the song by changing the tempo or adding various cord progressions. A decision is made on whom is going to sing the verses and the lead part based on a variety of things. Such as, who really likes the song the most, whose voice the song fits the best as far as vocal range when singing the lead part, and who needs to sing which harmony parts. Sometimes after going through all of this, the arrangement changes again in the studio when the producer and the musicians add their creativity.

Of all the songs that the Gardners sing, what one seems to touch the hearts of people everywhere you sing?

"More Than Anything Else ……..more that silver more than gold most precious is my soul with the redeemed safe at home I want to sing redemption song more than anything else I must be saved….." This song seems to say to people that after all is said and done the most important thing is have you been born again of the water and Spirit, are you saved?

Is there a song in your repertoire that seems to minister particularly to the group? “Ready And Willing” ……..I don’t claim to be like Moses or the Great Apostle Paul compared unto them I know that I’m so small but I could be just like that little boy that day the multitude was feed when you before the miracle with his fish and bread……….. our prayer is that we apply this principle “Ready And Willing” to our lives.

When a Pastor books the Gardners for his church, what can he expect when you show up to minister?

Being a pastor myself and being raised in the home of a pastor, I believe that we understand the importance of honoring the pastor and his church’s needs and expectations. Each church is different and has its own personality. A pastor can expect us to arrive on time, have our sound check completed before his people begin to arrive, and he can expect us to keep his stage neat and clean of cords and clutter. We will be sensitive to his taste as far as sound system volume. We prayerfully consider what songs in our repertoire fit the needs of his church.

Hopefully, when looking back at the event, he can say that The Gardners presented the Gospel in a very professional way with good stage and vocal presentation and most of all that folks were touched, healed and saved!

When a concert promoter books the group, what can he expect?

He can expect much of the same things that a pastor can expect. He can expect us to honor the allotted amount of time for our part of the program.

How are the Gardners doing on radio? Tell us a little about your current release.

Our current single release “Great Big God” is on Zion Music Comp #40. Melinda Hand, our National Promotional Director at Zion Music Group is doing a great job promoting our single to radio. We are seeing a steady increase in spins. We have launched a month long promotional campaign for the Song on the Solid Gospel Network. Our prayer is that the song will remind every believer of the fact that we are serving a God that is bigger than anything we face.

For more information on The Gardners visit http://www.thegardners.com