If Six Was Nine

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from THE ZOO spinning some far-out grooves for you! We’re cranking up “If Six Was Nine” by David Garfield from his 1997 album Tribute to Jeff. This track’s a smokin’ cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic, packed with a killer lineup: Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Michael Landau on vocals and guitar, Will Lee on bass, and Simon Phillips on drums. Fun fact: Garfield recorded it in 1996 at Chick Corea’s Mad Hatter Studios in L.A., with Eddie laying down his fiery overdubs at his own 5150 Studios, as shared in a Guitar Player interview. A longer version surfaced on Garfield’s 2020 EP Guitar Heroes OTB, Vol. 1, and fans on David’s X account went wild for that dynamite EVH solo kicking things off. One Zoo Freak in the David Garfield Fans Facebook group said it’s like Hendrix’s spirit got a turbo boost!

More juicy trivia about “If Six Was Nine” — Garfield told Van Halen News Desk he met Eddie by chance at a cigar store and pitched the Tribute to Jeff project, honoring Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro. Eddie was all in, and their jam session turned into this epic cover. The track’s got that trippy, counterculture vibe from Hendrix’s 1967 original, with lyrics about letting your “freak flag fly.” Fans on the David Garfield Fan Club site love how Garfield’s jazzy keyboard flair blends with Van Halen’s searing riffs, clocking in at over seven minutes of pure bliss. Posted comments mention the song’s stereo panning and fuzzbox distortion, giving it that psychedelic edge. It’s no wonder this tune’s been a staple for Garfield’s live sets at spots like The Baked Potato!

So, how did David Garfield get his start? This L.A.-based keyboard cat kicked things off in the 1970s, growing up in a musical family with a dad who played sax. As a teen, he was already gigging in local jazz clubs, soaking up influences from Herbie Hancock to Steely Dan. By the ’80s, he was a go-to session player, working with legends like George Benson and Smokey Robinson, as noted on AllMusic. Garfield co-founded the fusion band Karizma, which became a staple at venues like Cafe Cordiale. His knack for arranging and producing led to film and TV work, including scoring for Annie and Fame. The Tribute to Jeff album was a passion project, bringing together his “Cats” — a rotating crew of top-tier musicians — to celebrate Porcaro’s legacy. Decades later, he’s still a live music force, blending jazz, rock, and funk.

Wanna vibe with David Garfield’s world? Check out his official website for tour dates and new releases that’ll blow your mind. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps and studio updates. His X account is where he shares thoughts on music and tributes to his pals like Eddie. For fan love, join the David Garfield Fans Facebook group or visit the David Garfield Fan Club site to swap stories and rare tracks. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the cosmic jams flowing!