On WONDERLAND, everything feels thoughtfully and perfectly put together.
ACT Music
Daniel Garcia – Piano, Vocals on #10; Reinier “El Negrón” – Double Bass; Michael Olivera – Drums, Vocals on #6; Gilad Hekselman – Guitar on #3; Lau Noah – Vocals on #7; Verónica Ferreiro – Vocals on #11
The Daniel García Trio has become a standout in the new wave of Spanish jazz. On their third release for ACT Music, WONDERLAND, pianist Daniel García, bassist Reiner “El Negrón,” and drummer Michael Olivera show exactly why they’re the leaders in this exciting scene.
Garcia composed eleven of the album’s tracks and it’s a delight to hear how his music glitters with elements from classical music, seamlessly transitions into flamenco, and then melts into jazz harmony. After seven years of playing together, the trio has become a tight-knit unit with an instinctive feel for each other’s playing.
Before attending Berklee College of Music, Garcia studied classical piano at the Castilla y León Conservatory in his native Spain. He subsequently went on to play with renowned musicians like Arturo Sandoval, Greg Osby, and Perico Sambeat. Garcia says he has eclectic tastes in music, ranging from rock and electronica, to Middle Eastern music, Cubanism, and even medieval music and Gregorian chant. “So much has influenced Spanish culture, and also left its mark on me.”
‘Paz’ is a lovely, classically-inspired piece. Garcia uses a piano technique where he strikes the same key repeatedly to create a tremolo effect.
The music really takes off on ‘Gates To the Land of Wonders.’ Garcia’s left hand repeats a phrase that, together with bassist “El Negrón,” sounds like rolling thunder. Drummer Olivera anchors the groove with impeccable timing.
The playful yet pensive ‘Wonderland’ features guest Israeli guitarist Gilad Hekselman. Now based in New York Hekselman has played with many of the greats including Chris Potter, Fred Hersch, Mark Turner, Anat Cohen, Esperanza Spalding, Avishai Cohen, Aaron Parks, and Tigran Hamasyan, among others.
‘Witness the Smile’ has a playful, upbeat Cuban vibe, while ‘Mi Bolita’ is a heartfelt dedication to Garcia’s newborn nephew, reflecting the importance of family in his life.
I like it when a piano trio invites a guest, it adds variety and really shows off the trio’s skills. Catalan singer Lau Noah brings her delicate, almost fragile vocals to “You and Me,” with some phrasing that reminds me of Marlene Dietrich. Garcia’s piano backup is gorgeous. Madrid-based Verónica Ferreiro also joins in on “La Tarara,” the only song on the album not written by García.
Daniel García often builds his compositions on harmonic-rhythmic foundations and melodic phrases inspired by flamenco and traditional folk songs from his homeland, Salamanca. On WONDERLAND, everything feels thoughtfully and perfectly put together.
https://actrecords.bandcamp.com/album/wonderland-1
