Debut CD by The Garrison Project A True From The Ashes Story

Creative couple develops new songwriting collaboration to overcome total loss of home and belongings to a tragic pre-Thanksgiving fire. The resulting CD by The Garrison Project will be released this month.

Westport, CT-December 7, 2002: At 3am, November 22, 2000, just a few days before Thanksgiving, a fire destroyed the Ridgefield home of Betty-Lynn White. Betty-Lynn, her two sons and then fiancé Garrison escaped with their lives through a second floor bedroom window and down the roof with a mere 15-seconds to spare before the roof collapsed into the blazing inferno. All of their personal belongings were destroyed, including musical instruments, gold records, photographs and other irreplaceable memories from Garrisons 10-years as a producer and talent scout with London Records, Inc.

But, while everything tangible in their lives was lost, Garrison and Betty-Lynn found a heightened appreciation for life itself and discovered a new outlet for channeling their thoughts and feelings: songwriting. A noted attorney, Betty-Lynn also wrote poetry which became a source of lyrics for Garrisons complementary talents as a singer/songwriter. Their collaboration became a creative medium for looking at life after the fire and sharing their unique perspective with others.

Garrisons and Betty-Lynns songs were heard and felt by bass guitarist Steve Weiner who encouraged the couple to get their music out to others. His sentiments were shared by Western Connecticut State University music majors Chris Gonsalves and Jean Sandoval, who added percussion and lead guitar respectively. The Garrison Project was born and began to work their magic at such major New York City showcase venues as legendary CBGBs, Acme Underground, DownTime, The Baggot Inn and more. An article about the band prompted vocalist Tara Engler to contact Garrison and it took only one rehearsal to add her to the roster as lead singer.

Betty-Lynn is Executive Producer for The Garrison Projects debut CD to be released this month. More than just a musical triumph, The Garrison Project CD is encouragement to everyone to find opportunity in adversity and rise from the ashes.