Brother of Bunk Gardner, played and recorded with the Mothers of Invention between November 1968 and August 1969, contributing to Burnt Weeny Sandwich and Weasels Ripped My Flesh.

At around age 7, he started playing trumpet and took his first professional job at age 16. From 1951 to 1953 he served in the army, played in an army band and shared a room with Don Preston. Bunk, Buzz and John Balkin performed as Menage A Trois between 1969 and 1972. A couple of their recordings can be found on the first Grandmothers album. Also played horns with Geronimo Black.