Spencer the Gardener

Last updated
Spencer the Gardener
Origin Santa Barbara, California
Genres Indie pop; zydeco; latin; mariachi; alternative; folk; big band
Years active1989–present
LabelsSpencer the Gardener; Love That Records
Members
  • Spencer Barnitz
  • Nate Birkey
  • Cougar Estrada
  • John Schnackenberg
  • Gary Sangenitto
  • Brett Larsen
Website https://www.spencerthegardener.com

Spencer the Gardener is an American band formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1989.

Contents

History

The band, known for its genre-bending, was founded in 1989 by Spencer Barnitz, who was previously a member of the band The Tan. According to Barnitz, Spencer the Gardener is “a Latin, Big Band spy movie, set on the beach in the Sixties.” [1] They released their debut album, a double-part album called "The First Two Albums", in 1991. They have also released two children's albums: "Organic Gangster" in 2009 and "Organic Gangster Vol. 2" in 2019.[ citation needed ]

Spencer Barnitz has had several health issues throughout his life. In 1991, he got into a car accident which led to him needing open heart surgery, and before then he had gotten a kidney transplant. [2] Despite this he has still continued to tour and perform with the band.

In May 2023, a documentary film based on the band called More Than Just a Party Band debuted at the New Vic theater in Santa Barbara. [3]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

TitleYearAlbum
"The Gobble Song"2007Organic Gangster
"Going to a Party"2017Non-album single
"Carolina"2023TBA

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References

  1. Locey, Bill (December 4, 1990). "Digging the Sounds of Spencer The Gardener". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  2. Woodard, Josef (July 21, 2022). "Life of the Party, Man About Town". Santa Barbara Independent . Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  3. Palminteri, John (May 18, 2023). "Documentary movie brings 40 years of Spencer Barnitz and the Spencer the Gardener band to the screen". News Channel 3-12 . Retrieved November 11, 2023.