drummer/composer – ROB GARCIA – www.robgarciamusic.com
“A prime mover in the current Brooklyn jazz scene” (Time Out-New York) and “one of New York’s great jazz drummers and composers.” (Capital New York), Rob Garcia continues to be an strong presence in the New York and international jazz scene as a sideman and bandleader. He has performed and/or recorded with bandleaders such as Wynton Marsalis, Joseph Jarman, Anat Cohen, Sam Newsome, Judi Silvano, Woody Allen, Howard Alden, Lynne Arriale, John Benitez, John Bunch, Dena DeRose, Chris Cheek, Daniel Kelly, and Vince Giordano. Rob has also collaborated with other top musicians such as: Joe Lovano, Sheila Jordan, Dave Liebman, Diana Krall, Myra Melford, Ben Monder, Donny McCaslin, Marty Erhlich, Jerome Richardson, Reggie Workman, Bob Berg, Bill McHenry, Ken Peplowski, Scott Robinson, Howard Johnson, Sonny Fortune, Bruce Barth, Wycliffe Gordon, Warren Vache, Ted Nash, and Chris Potter, among others. He has played on over 40 albums including Grammy winners.
Rob has released 6 critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader which feature such artists as Noah Preminger, Dan Tepfer, Gary Versace, Joe Martin, John Hebert, Dave Kikoski and Mike Formanek. His CD, “Perennial” (BJUR 012) was in the “10 Best Jazz Albums of 2009” in the New York Observer. His most recent album “Finding Love In An Oligarchy On A Dying Planet” (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records) includes some special guests including jazz legend Joe Lovano and vocal sensation Kate McGarry. His group has performed at venues such as The Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Toronto Jazz Festival, Iridium, Kitano, Smalls, The Rex, Cornelia Street Cafe, Firehouse 12. and has toured in Europe. Rob has also received grants from Meet The Composer, DCA and NYSCA to support his performances.
Rob has been a major force in artist-run organizations, a new way for jazz to continue and thrive. He is the founder and artistic director of a non-profit organization called Connection Works, which presents world-class jazz performances and educational events to the Brooklyn community. He is a member of the Brooklyn Jazz Underground, an association of independent artists with a shared commitment to creativity and community. He was also a founding member of the Douglass Street Music Collective, an artist-run rehearsal and performance space, featuring some of New York’s most creative and cutting edge musicians/composers.
Rob grew up in Pelham, New York, hearing jazz and popular music from the 1920’s and 30’s. His father, an architect who also played bass, had a collection of 78rpm records from that period including such greats as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bix Beiderbecke. In his early teens, Rob loved classic rock. It was Keith Moon of The Who that inspired him to begin playing the drums. He began studying with Bob Merigliano, and through his influence as well as visiting New York City jazz clubs with his father, Rob’s interest turned toward jazz. He then went on to study with some other outstanding drummers such as Charli Persip, Steve Davis, and Adam Nussbaum. Rob holds a BA from NYU and a MM from SUNY Purchase.
Rob also put his focus toward holistic healing. He graduated from the IM School of Healing Arts, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is a non-denominational ordained minister.
“Garcia is a drummer of invention, grace and considerable fire.” – Downbeat
“an engrossing listen that seers the senses.” – Downbeat
“…one of New York’s great jazz drummers and composers.” – Capital New York
“remarkable drummer” – Village Voice
“remarkable chemistry” – Jazz Times
“Thoughtful original music delivered with rare conviction.” – Jazz Times
“The 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2009” in the New York Observer. (for Perennial – Rob Garcia 4)
“If the excellent debut Perennial moved the Rob Garcia 4 among the vanguard of modern jazz, The Drop and the Ocean has solidified its place.” – NYC Jazz Record
“A prime mover in the current Brooklyn jazz scene…” – Time Out-New York
“Creativity that is off the chart!” – JazzReview.com
“the Rob Garcia 4 is most definitely the truth.” – Nippertown
“The Rob Garcia 4 is fast becoming one of the city’s finest modern ensembles,” – Capital New York
“…an elastic, adventurous statement from the drummer Rob Garcia.” – New York Times
Best (9) Jazz Albums of 2016 – Patriot Ledger: Jay Miller’s Music Scene
“adventurous yet approachable postbop” -Time Out New York
“There are drummers who keep time and there are drummers who make you listen, whose shifting rhythms, exhilarating time feel and inventiveness make the music dance. Rob Garcia is one such drummer…” -NYC Jazz Record
“like all great frontmen he puts the music first, not his instrument. And like fellow drummer/leaders Bill Stewart and Jack DeJohnette, Garcia always serves the music, but with that extra inner sparkle and finesse coupled to crackerjack time sensibilities that are constantly delightful.” -NYC Jazz Record
“Rob and crew get a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my ears, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99.” -Rotcod Zzaj
5 Star review (The Passion Of Color): Schweiz am Sonntag, 6-29-14
“Drummer, composer, bandleader and in-demand sideman Rob Garcia is one of the shining stars at Brooklyn Underground Jazz Records”
-Something Else Reviews
“Garcia approaches the drum kit with melodic ideas mixed right into his rhythms” – Stuart Kremsky
“The music is Modern Jazz with lots of passion” -O’s Place Jazz
“masterly crafted album” – Jazz da Gama
“Foxy!” -Jazz Weekly
“Rob Garcia manages to keep a toe in tradition while remaining experimental.” -The Examiner
“Garcia’s writing strikes a delicate balance, making a contemporary jazz album that is enjoyable and virtuosic. The ensemble is tight, talented and clearly knows how to play well together.” -The Examiner
“INTENSE drummer” -Winnipeg Free Press