DANIEL GARBIN

RISING

Daniel Garbin, guitar/sitar; Camila Cortina, piano/keyboard; Scott Litroff, alto saxophone; Eddy Khaimovich, electric & acoustic bass; Brian Woodruff, drums.

The first tune on Daniel Garbin’s album is the title tune, and it sounds like a ‘Rising,’ perhaps a sunrise or a bird rising from the ground with wings spread wide, like Scott Litroff’s exciting solo on alto saxophone. Daniel Garbin sets the mood on his sitar, and the sound he creates is quite compelling. Camila Cortina keeps the ‘Rising’ theme going when she brings her piano excellence into the spotlight. I believe this is the first time I have heard the sitar used in this kind of jazz arrangement. Usually, I hear it in a more culturally identifiable context. I think this is so wonderful, the way Daniel Garbin has incorporated that Middle Eastern instrument into his Western World presentation. Eddy Khamovich gets my attention by making a very individual statement on electric bass. This music and production are fresh!

“Simi’s Bossa” swings with a Latin flavor. Garbin has composed or co-written every song on this unique and entertaining album. During this arrangement, Daniel picks up his guitar to offer a lovely, dancing, guitar solo. I’m also impressed with Cortina’s piano dexterity. Scott Litroff explores the upper register of his alto saxophone, and Eddy is creative and beautiful on his acoustic bass. Throughout every tune, Brian Woodruff holds the ensemble tightly in place on trap drums.

Here is an album with a fresh sound and interesting and innovative arrangements, along with seven original compositions by Daniel Garbin, some of which were collaborated with Simona . All the songs are melodic, and it’s easy to listen to them.

Daniel Garbin was born in Baia Mare, Romania. He taught himself to play guitar. After relocating to the United States, Garbin leaned into Latin rock music for a while, later co-founding the jazz fusion band INCAN. Garbin holds a PhD in mathematics and is an associate professor at Queensborough Community College. I hope he will continue to use the sitar in his jazz bands. I think it brings something fresh and unexplored to the music.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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