The STORY BEHIND The New Odyssey Guy
Breaking into the entertainment industry at the early age of 2, Gary Todd began performing as an acrobat in his family act “The Tumbling Todd’s”. By the age of 13 he had already headed out on his own with his first single act, entertaining the crowds with Music, Comedy and Tumbling. A few years later at the age of 17, Gary joined the band “Odyssey”.
After more then a decade of touring with the band Odyssey, several members moved on and a major overhaul was about to take place. In 1988 these changes led to the creation of the “New Odyssey”, 3 guys from Chicago who played 30 instruments. For nearly 40 years the New Odyssey brought audiences to their feet time and time again with a mix of music, showmanship and comedy for all ages!
The New Odyssey will be stepping on the stage for the last time as a group late in 2018. While this will bring closure to an era of great music, the show must go on. The legacy continues with the man, the legend, the one man show dynamo… The New Odyssey Guy!
Gary Todd will continue to entertain the crowds with several of his favorite instruments, bringing a hilarious, outlandish and a totally unpredictable single act back to the stage!
The HISTORY Behind The Instruments
The New Odyssey Guy On The Bass Trumpet
After another band member ordered this Bass Trumpet, he had come to find out it was a rotary valve version. Since this couldn’t be played one handed as was required in the act, I ended up being the lucky recipient.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Electric Guitar
My original love, the Electric Guitar. By age 11 I had found my musical passion, but if I wanted to play in my brothers band I had to put the guitar on the back burner and play the drums.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Trumpet
Late one night a dance band came on stage and caught my attention. To this day I can vividly remember falling in love with the brassy sound of the trumpet tenderly echoing through the room. It sounded like heaven to me. I went out a bought one the next day. It’s still my favorite brass instrument.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Alto Sax
My journey with the Alto Sax began by chance. At the time, our Sax player had left the band, and we needed to fill spot. I decided to take on the task and I am glad I did.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Baritone
This silver plated Baritone from the early 1900’s was given to me by a fan. When I received it was horribly tarnished, but after soaking it in the tub and polishing it up, it is now a beautiful instrument.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Pocket Trumpet
While looking to down size a few of the larger instruments like the Tuba, I came across the Pocket Trumpet. Thinking this would be a great addition to the line up, an impulse buy was made, it has been part of the act ever since.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Banjo
One day while our diesel mechanic was servicing the band truck he mentions that he has a 1963 Gibson Long Neck 5 String Banjo that he got from his mother and asked If I was interested. Well, The rest is history.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Flugelhorn
The Flugelhorn was virtually unknown outside of the music community until the top 40 song “Feels So Good” brought it to the masses. With its growing popularity I added one to the collection.
The New Odyssey Guy On The Soprano Sax
Just like the Flugelhorn, the Soprano Sax finally made it front and center when Kenny G’s hits popularized this instrument. As with all trends you either jump on board or get left behind, so after trip to the Karnes Music Store we were back in business.
As they say, save the best for last. The STRONGHOLD of my musical career, the drums…. Originally picking up the drums just to join my brother’s band “Wally and the Whalers”, I couldn’t have imagined at the time what a huge impact this would have on music career to this day. Over the years my drums have evolved from an traditional acoustic set to the current electronic drums in use today. These modern electronic drums allow for great flexibility in matching their sound to the genre of music at the touch of a button. While band members and instruments may have come and gone throughout the years, the drums have always been a main stay of my identity as a musician.
The LEGACY Of Gary Todd
Starting young, Gary was performing as an acrobat with the family act “The Tumbling Todd’s” by the time he was 2 years old.
Gary started to perform his own single act, which included tumbling, comedy and music, at the age of 13.
By 17, Gary had joined the band Odyssey that performed for over a decade at pubs and night clubs all over the midwest.
In 1988 the band The New Odyssey, 3 Guys 30 Instruments, was formed. Entertaining crowds all over the country for 40 years.