press
"Drummer Rob Garcia released a strong debut record last year called Place of
Resonance (CAP), and he's been busy with good sideman gigs, like Sam Newsome's Global
Unity. At Cornelia Street Café he premiered a new project called Sangha (as in Buddha,
Dharma, Sangha), featuring Newsome, Michel Gentile on flute, Russ Lossing on piano,
Kenny Wessel on guitar, Dave Ambrosio on bass, and Yuni Choy on vocals. Tucked within
Garcia's complex line writing and tight ensemble passages is a kind of pop/groove
sensibility. Choy, in particular, brought it out, belting the group's title song and
giving a bit of R&B growl on another, untitled one. (I was singing back some of this
stuff a week later.) Garcia's ability to sustain interest over a long form was clear
on "Just Do It," even more so on his "Burning Heart Suite"; his melodic powers were
at their peak on a beautiful adaptation of a poem by the Sufi poet Hafiz. Lossing
and Newsome were the monster soloists of the set, and with this many musicians on
stage, Garcia was smart in setting limits — one or two solos per tune. These weren't
simply blowing vehicles, after all."
— Dave Adler, "All About Jazz" (New York@night) 6/02
"Rob Garcia wields his sticks like a quill, drumming like a discerning composer. Which he
is...Garcia's unobtrusive drumming and sensitive cymbal work caress the form, and when
the time is right, he kicks in swing power. It's said that writing is about taking out what's
not needed; Garcia's understanding of this has wisely carried into his drumming."
— Jeff Potter; Modern Drummer
"Everything seems to click for Garcia, whose control and direction cause
the recording to unfold unassumingly with strength and beauty. It('Place of Resonance')
has a mystique that I found very seductive...Garcia's drums yield rolling waves of rhythmic
power as he inserts himself as an integral team member rather than a showcased leader...It has
a mystique that I found very seductive."
— Frank Rubolino; Cadence Magazine
"I'm REALLY picky about what goes on the front page. We get about 40 new albums a DAY coming
in here now, (about 12,000 total), and yours ('Place of Resonance') is one of the best I've
ever heard."
— Derek Sivers; President of CDBaby
"Garcia is in complete control of his craft. The selections on the CD are thought provoking,
playful and will linger in the listener's mind...A sort of musical therapy for the heart and soul.
This is beautiful music. Exquisite arrangements, choice selections...Garcia's talent, skill, and
energy, on 'Place of Resonance', provides a musical healing balm that any true jazz fan should
apply and enjoy. Highly recommended."
— Mark F. Turner; AllAboutJazz.com
"Rob Garcia and mates stretch their chops, minds and souls on 'Place of Resonance'"
— DownBeat
"Garcia has produced a set of original compositions that are guaranteed to entice
the listener. Garcia is a master of different moods...This is a great release recommended
to listeners who like interesting compositions that are also accessible."
— Cliff Bellamy; The Herald Sun
"This ('Place of Resonance') has appeared on a little known label...yet it is as confident,
accomplished and, in it's less flamboyant way, as individuated as either of the above big
guns...He is a composer of considerable talent...As a drummer he has learned his trade in a
variety of bands and his knowledge of radically different styles is put to good use in the
shifts in tempo and emphasis that prevent the set getting too ambient...it is a very melodious
record. It is a drummer-led, rather than a drums-led, project you will be relieved to hear...(a)
genuinely whole group project"
— Maurice Bottomley; PopMatters Music Review
"...drummer, Rob Garcia...represent(s) part of a budding New York City-based microcosm of
jazz-based explorers...'Place of Resonance' makes for an enjoyable listening experience."
— Glenn Astarita; All Music Guide
"...honesty in the leaders assertions also shines through...the deep emotions invested in their
realization remain evident"
— Derek Taylor; Cadence Magazine
"In deed as I listened to this CD the first time and each subsequent time I found myself first
really having to think about the music, then finding myself immersed in the rich melodies of
sound on 'Place of Resonance'...Acting as both arranger and musician Rob has chosen to put together
a great set of music that highlights the collective and individual strengths of the group. On
the liner notes Rob invites the listener to 'have an experience of yourself, to go beyond listening with just your ears and intellect.'
The same goes for me. Give a listen to 'Place' — I think you will like it."
— A. Nelson Rand; Jazz Review.com