Garry Percell is a virtuoso guitarist, producer, and Billboard-charting artist who seamlessly blends contemporary jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel into a signature "soul-stirring" sound. With over 25 years of expertise on both electric and acoustic guitar, Percell has earned a reputation as a masterful storyteller whose playing transcends technical skill to speak directly to the heart.

Musical Roots & Journey

Born in Reidsville, North Carolina, Percell grew up in a household where music was a spiritual cornerstone. Inspired by his mother, a church pianist, he began playing guitar at age nine and quickly developed a diverse palette of influences, ranging from the legendary Ernie Isley and Wes Montgomery to Jimi Hendrix and Motown. This eclectic foundation allowed him to develop a unique style that balances the delicate nuance of an acoustic ballad with the high-energy roar of electric funk.

Professional Achievements

A respected studio and stage musician, Percell's career was further accelerated by Robert "Bobby" Irving III (former pianist and producer for Miles Davis), who helped him establish his roots as a session guitarist in Chicago. Since then, he has shared the stage and studio with a wide range of industry titans:

• Secular Collaborations: Toured and performed with Grammy Winner General Johnson and the Chairman of the Board, Legendary Queen of Funk Betty Davis's "Funk House" band and many others.
• Gospel Mainstays: Shared the stage with gospel greats including Richard Smallwood, Luther Barnes, and Lee Williams and the QC's and many others.
• Contemporary Jazz Success: His hit singles, such as "Don't Stop" (featuring Marcus Anderson) and other radio charting singles "Smooth Strut" and “Reaction”, were produced by best-selling guitarist Adam Hawley and catapulted him into the Billboard contemporary jazz market.

Label & Vision

Percell is the founder of Upward Bound Music Group and operates out of his own Upward Bound Recording Studio. One of the most recent projects includes a soulful reimagining of the classic ballad "Going in Circles," featuring R&B recording artist Tony Terry.
The New Single: "Love Ballad"
Percell’s latest release is a soulful, instrumental reimagining of the timeless classic "Love Ballad." Originally recorded by the legendary R&B group L.T.D. and made famous by the iconic vocals of Jeffrey Osborne, Percell breathes new life into the Skip Scarborough composition for today’s global contemporary radio market.
Produced by the acclaimed Chris Davis for the Upward Bound Music Group label, the track features polished, modern production while preserving the deep emotional resonance of the original. Percell’s guitar-led interpretation blends smooth jazz phrasing with a relaxed, contemporary groove, specifically crafted for Smooth Jazz and Contemporary Jazz airplay.

Beyond his technical prowess, Percell remains deeply committed to his faith, serving as a minister and pastor for over a decade. He views his music as a divine gift, aiming to move listeners "beyond the limitations of words" through melody and rhythm.