Christopher A. Garcia- tabla, kanjira, mbwata, marimba, PAISTE cymbals      

Chris was born, raised, and still resides in East L.A, between Boyle Heights and Maravilla. His background includes performances in a wide variety of musical settings including; Jazz, Rock, World Music, traditional Mexican music, pre - hispanic music, percussion ensemble, soundtracks, and cartoon music.

 

He attributes his musical growth to his studies with Professor John Bergamo, Pandit Tarnath Rao, Swapan Chadhouri and Leonice Shinemann where he studied tabla, while attending California Institute of the Arts on a full scholarship.

Chris was also a member of the award winning Cal Arts Percussion Ensemble in 1979.

 

He attributes his "style"(?) to Listening to EVERYTHING, logging in thousands of hours, practicing, rehearsing, performing and touring constantly with musicians interested in stretching and reinventing themselves throughout the Americas, Canada, Europe and Asia including performances in Austria, Belgium, Bosnia, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, England, Germany, Holland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Norway, and Switzerland.

 

Chris' drumming is unusual in that it incorporates not only the standard rhythms and their permutations, but also a fluency with odd time signatures and sonic textures, which he seamlessly incorporates into his playing.

He continues to be the drummer/percussionist of several critically acclaimed ensembles including:

 

 

CLASSICAL ENSEMBLES

the AHN TRIO - piano trio

VIO FONIK - chamber ensemble of 2 violins, 1 cello and percussion of North and South India

 

JAZZ and ROCK ENSEMBLES

ABT TRIO - electric violin, electric cello and drumset

CONTINUUM - fusion(?) for the 21st Century.

THE DEMANIA TRIO, since 2002 with Alex de Grassi, Michael Manring, Christopher Garcia

 

THE GRANDE MOTHERS RE-INVENTED - featuring original and former members of the Mothers Of Invention

performing the Music of Frank Zappa 1962 thru 1982

DON PRESTON QUARTET, since 2002 - "atonal jazz(?)"

HARRY SCORZO QUARTET - original jazz by the virtuoso violinist

 

THE MICHAEL VLATKOVICH ENSEMBLES - Avant trombonist, composer extraordinaire

One of the most brilliant composer/improvisers on the planet that I have been able to make music with consistently since 1991 in various guises from duo to augmented big band across America and Canada. Michael continues to surprise, amuse and use me. (?)Only God and Michael know why, and I am grateful to both for choosing to do so.

 

 

WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLES

ANCIENT GROOVES - world music ensemble

MEXIKA , since 2003,

Pre-Hispanic indigenous ensemble under the direction of Martin Espino

QUARTETO NUEVO, since 1999 - a world music improvising chamber ensemble

 

and duets with various instrumentalists including:
Composer/Drummer/Percussionist Alex Cline. Alex Cline and I have been playing duos with various set ups the last few years. Sometimes we both play drumset and miscellaneous percussion,. sometimes one drumset and hand percussion, sometimes whatever we feel like playing. Alex is a wonderful musician. Intuitive, forgiving and ALWAYS listening. He is a joy to listen to. Sometimes I forget to play and sit there and just listen. One of our better moments was a prolonged silence and then, like magic, we came in at the same time and played ONE NOTE, without watching eachother. Just listening to the silence pass us by. It was beyond belief, and I am grateful for having his SPIRIT in my life.

For additional information on Alex, click here: Alex Cline .

 

guitarist extraordinaire Nels Cline He originally asked me to play hand percussion with him in a benefit for Petra Haden. We performed Keith Jarrett's Survivors Suite, for baritone guitar, tabla and miscellaneous hand percussion. The Haden family was present and it was quite an honor to have them sitting there. Since then we have performed the piece several times. Even though Nels has to be one of the busiest guys on the planet he still calls once in a while and we sit and make Music and will continue to do so at the drop of a hat.

For more information on Nels, click here: Nels Cline .

 

and multi woodwinds master Vinny Golia.:Vinny is another one of those guys. Brilliantly, consistently amazing. The only horn player I know that can play one to one million notes at eve

For more information on Vinny, click here: Vinny Golia .

NEW PROJECTS/R&D

MARTIN ESPINO and MEXIKA

I was recently invited to perform with Ancient Grooves, a group featuring John Zeretzke, Malik Sow, Houman Pourmedhi and Martin Espino, a musician whol play ancient pre-Hispanic instruments. Since then Martin has invited me to participate in presenting and performing indigenous music of the Americas, something he has done consistently for the last 25 years.

He has been a joy to learn from and perform with. I am learning a lot. Employing techniques and sounds which I have never had access to before. Pre-Hispanic music,i.e., music before Spain came to "civilize" the new world, new and ancient music played on ancient instruments, including water drums, turtle shells, Hue Huetl, Teponaztil and instruments made from gourd and clay. Back to my roots

Check out his website at www.martinespino.com

 

THE deMANIA TRIO

featuring

Alex DeGrassi - acoustic guitars

Michael Manring - electric fretless basses

CG -tabla, kanjira, cymbals, hand percussion  

 

A trio that was put together by Alex De Grassi and Michael Manring.

I had the fortunate experience to perform 1 concert with Michael Manring and he recommended me to Alex De Grassi.

We are playing original music and original versions of folk and folkloric music and anything else we can with a decidedly new twist.

I have the best seat in the house sitting between these two guys and taking it all in trying to keep up.

Our premiere recording was released November 2006.

 

I am truly blessed to play with people who are constantly challenging themselves and invite me along for the ride. Feel free to write me at anytime and I will do my best to write you in a timely manner. 

Email Christopher Garcia
THANKS FOR COMING TO CHECK THIS OUT

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT A PERFORMANCE

PAZ=PEACE

CG

REVIEWS

Christopher Garcia dedicated "With his Hat in his Hand" to his father, Don Alberto Garcia. Like much of his other music it was a piece of humility, confidence, clarity, and positive feeling--a pleasure to listen to.

ALL ABOUT JAZZ REVIEW

 

"Garcia, an excellent percussionist, really pushes the group, especially in the solo sections....his sparkling cymbal work coloring the background..."

Cadence Jazz Magazine

 

"Garcia's playing is vibrant and alive with passion, humor and a good deal of technical prowess, not to mention the breadth of vision necessary to effectively translate such an unpredictable stream of music. And the fact that the trio seem perfectly at home with unpredictably and the endless world of musical possibilities it presents makes them perhaps one of the most animated improvisational ensembles on stage anywhere."

The Weekly Alibi



SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY for Christopher Garcia

 

Alex Cline Ensemble - The Constant Flame

Continuum - Passages

Continuum - Continuum

demania - demania

Alfred Garcia - Parallel Realities

Alfred Garcia - Make It So

Vinny Golia - A Gift for the Unusual (2004)

The Grande Mothers Re"Invented - A Grande Mothers night at the Gewendhaus(2003)

The Moscow Symphony - Outcast

Quarteto Nuevo - EL MUSICO

Luis Villegas - Casa Villegas

Vio-Fonik - VIOFONIK

Michael Vlatkovich Trio - No Zee Two S

Michael Vlatkovich Quartet - Alivebuquerque

Michael Vlatkovich Sextet - Live In Toronto

Michael Vlatkovich Quintet - Why Don't You See Me?

Mark Weber - Obligatos For Terpsichorean Dipsomaniacs

 

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Christopher Smith - classical guitars, steel string guitars, 12 string guitar, sitar

As a teenager Chris taught himself to play guitar and bass in local punk bands. Seeking other more developed instrumental styles and wanting to learn a higher level of musicianship, Chris studied music at several community colleges and eventually ending up at California Institute of the Arts, BFA 98'. Getting the opportunity to play many kinds of challenging music from American, European, African, and Eastern genres regularly was an evolutionary process and led to learning many new instruments and musical ideas.

In 2004 Chris received his Master of Music degree in Guitar Performance while on a teaching scholarship from the University of Nevada. Currently back in Los Angeles, Christopher is teaching, performing, and learning more about music.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES BY CG

Christopher was recommended by fellow percussionist Adam Idell. We met after one of his rehearsals with a local jazz group where he was playing acoustic bass, and we seemed to talk about everything but music. Christopher listens intently and brings various methodologies to the (musical) table.

Being a guitarist who doubles on acoustic bass, among other things, gives him a hands on perspective in regards to making music from the bottom up. He is fluent with various approaches to improvisation, harmonic as well as rhythmic and melodic cycles and their permutations, and he also has a working knowledge of jazz harmony, classical repertoire and flamenco techniques which he effortless blends in every musical context he is in. He is currently studying sitar with Alokke Dagsgupta.

Christopher is a joy to make music with and is always willing to try a new idea and sublimate his considerable technique in order to make MUSIC.

 

Notable Performances:

Montreux Jazz Festival w/ SLO Jazz

Getty Center Grand Opening w/ Charlie Haden conducting Cal Arts LIberation Orchestra

Guitar and 24 Voices, European Tour w/ The Karna Choir

DeFalla "Siete Canciones" w/Catherine DeBoer - Soprano, Universitat Mozartaeum, Salzburg

Solo Guitar recital/ teaching residency Bavarian Music Academy, Marktoberdorf

Sgt Peppers 40th Anniversary, Hollywood Bowl

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Jacob Szekely  4 string acoustic and 5 string electric cello

Jacob is a true musical rarity. As a performer he's one of the few legitimate improvising string players in the world, and perhaps the only cellist who has developed a true Jazz/funk concept on his instrument. In addition to his busy schedule as a studio musician, and sideman, Jacob performs with his own groups Supernova (jazz/fusion quartet), The AB Trio (Straight Ahead Jazz), Quarteto Nuevo (World Music), Leviathan (hip hop), and the Martin East Project (electronica).

Mr. Szekely is also active as a composer and arranger and has collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles from string quartets and world music groups to commissions for chamber orchestra and children's choir. He recently expanded his role as musical ambassador through his co founding and artistic directorship of String Project Los Angeles, a music school and resource for the alternative string playing community thoughout the world located in West Hollywood. Jacob is a Steinberger and Danish Professional Audio artist, and performs regularly on his five string Steinberger Electric Cello as well as several acoustic cellos in different tunings.

ADDITIONAL NOTES BY CG

I first met Jacob at a gig where he was subbing for the regular cellist in maestro Harry Scorzo's VioFonik. The first day we met is the first day we made music. Jacob is a great listener and is comfortable in a variety of roles, whether laying down the bass function, comping, playing soaring melodies and/or soloing on his cello.

He is always listening and curious about various musical forms, syntax and substance. Jacob is one of the new breed of so called "classical" string players who is putting himself in an environment not normally associated with cellists. Classical musicians do not usually train to improvise in a "jazz" context, where a soloist is required to "improvise" over fixed harmonic movement and QN gives Jacob a chance to utilize his considerable skills as a composer/musician.

Jaocb is also a founding member of the SUPERNOVA string quartet, and the AWF TRIO featuring Robert Anderson on 5 string electric violin as well as myself on drumset, my first instrument.

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Damon Zick - soprano saxophone, Bb clarinet, flute, alto flute, bass clarinet

Damon Zick, woodwind player, composer and teacher, originally hails from Seattle, Washington. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 1997 (B.M. Classical and Jazz Saxophone), he headed south to Miami Beach where he performed flute, clarinet and saxophone with the New World Symphony. Following a brief year in Houston, Texas (not brief enough), Damon headed out west and ended up in L.A.. Where he finished the M.F.A. program in Jazz Reeds at the California Institute of the Arts. Damon has toured the U.S. extensively with his own groups and others and has performed on six continents. He is also active as a teacher and clinician.

ADDITIONAL NOTES BY CG

Damon is a great musician. He has been a regular member of CONTINUUM for the last few years and was more than open to come into a new musical configuration and play. He has extensive practical experience in a variety of settings - straight ahead jazz, classical and chamber ensembles, and I am lucky that he is willing to add his voice to this ensemble. He is always prepared for whatever may come his way musically and is never at a loss for ideas compositionally, or improvisationally.

 

PRIOR PERFORMANCES WITH

Toshiko Akioshi, Ralph Alessi, Aspen Jazz Ensemble, Joe LaBarbera, Bob Brookmeyer, Mike Cain,

Continuum, Eastman Wind Ensemble, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Florida Wind Symphony, Vinny Golia,

Eddie Henderson, Joe Henderson, Bill Holman, Lee Konitz, Larry Koonse, Dave Liebman, Russel Malone, Bob Mintzer, National Orchestral Institute, National Repertory Orchestra, New World Symphony, Darek Oles, Quarteto Nuevo, Rochester Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, Spoleto Opera Festival Charleston

 

SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY for Damon Zick

We Are Large Evander Music

The Outing (Solo Debut) 1998 Orchard

New World Symphony Steven Mackey 2000 RCA Victor

Eastman Wind Ensemble 1998 Sony Classical

Saxology w/ Bob Mintzer 1996 Advance

Take The Next Step 1996 E-Jazz

CLICK here for additional information on Damon Zick

 

QUARTETO NUEVO FAQS

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE QUARTETO NUEVO?

Jazz musicians call us a world music ensemble,

world music ensembles call us a jazz ensemble,

and classical ensembles call us something unprintable.

 

Actually we play music where we can improvise within various formats

Some of them are harmonically based, some are melodically based,

some are rhythmically based and some are a combination of all of the above.

 

The ensemble performs original compositions by members of the ensemble

as well as compositions by our favorite composers:

Bergamo, Corea, Gismonti, McLaughlin, Mingus, Satie, Zappa etc.

We rehearse pretty regularly and play thru new music

sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't

the one thing it has to do is grab us on some level in order for us to work with it

 

HOW LONG HAS QUARTETO NUEVO BEEN IN EXISTENCE?

Our first performance was in November 1999.

 

DO YOU STILL THE SAME MEMBERS?

No. We are currently in our 5th live performance incarnation

 

the original line up was

Luis Villegas - flamenco guitar

Alfred Garcia - electric bass

Alan Lechusza - woodwinds

and

CG - percussion

 

2nd line up was the same with

Randy Gloss - percussion

 

3rd line up

Ken Rosser - stringed instruments

Alfred Garcia - electric bass

Alan Lechusza - woodwinds

and

CG - percussion

this is the group on the EL MUSICO CD

 

4TH line up

Carolyn Tyler on cello replaces bassist Alfred Garcia

 

5TH line up is the current ensemble

see below

 

Christopher Garcia

kanjira, mbwata, olla,tabla,

marimba, cymbals, percussion

 

Christopher Smith

nylon & steel string guitar(s),

12 string guitar, sitar

 

Jacob Szekely

4 and 5 string cello

 

Damon Zick

soprano saxophone,

bass clarinet, Bb clarinet,

alto flute

 

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE ENSEMBLE?

Everyone always did a great job of bringing themselves to the table and putting themselves into it,

i.e., it is an impossible question to answer.

 

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO USE A CELLIST INSTEAD OF A BASSIST?

Bassist Alfred Garcia took a sabbatical and I was looking for a bassist when Alan Lechusza invited me to work with his Side A/Side B ensemble which featured cellist Carolyn Tyler.

We did quite a few rehearsals with Carolyn and a handful of performances, and it was very very different - the bottom end opened up sonically, and since Carolyn was a classical musician who improvised, it became a very different ensemble.

 

We had to find another way to play, it didn't feel like a bass or sound like a bass,

so instead of treating it like it was a bass, we all had to regroup and figure out what worked for us.

 

You can't play the same way with a cello in the group, as you can with a bassist,

well you can, but what would be the point,

which is something i enjoy doing, the search for what works.

 

WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING WITH A BASSIST AND A CELLIST?

The lowest thing in the band becomes the bayan, the low drum of the tabla set.

When you are working with a bassist, the bayan has a tendency to get lost with the bass,

because they are fighting for the same frequencies.

 

So you have to play differently, i.e., you don't play 1 with a bassist

because you won't hear it.

 

With the cello, I have more choices

I can play tabla and not worry about the timbres clashing, because they don't.

 

We are now using cellist Jacob Szekely, who is a very different cellist than Carolyn.

He improvises in the bebop language as well as over simpler harmonic languages and frameworks

and we are really utilizing his ability to play either a melody line or a bass function.

 

Guitarist Christopher Smith, also plays acoustic bass as well as acoustic guitars, and the function/responsibilities/roles are constantly changing.

 

DOES CHRISTOPHER SMITH PLAY ACOUSTIC BASS IN THE GROUP AS WELL ?

Not yet.

But it is more a question of economics.

The group is a performance ensemble and we plan on doing quite a bit of traveling.

Christopher is already bringing 3 guitars, nylon, steel and 12 string along with his sitar.

Schlepping an acoustic bass as well is a major expense and an economic handicap for transporting it. Anyone with more than 50lbs of luggage who flys knows what I am talking about.

So we might utilize his acoustic bass playing for the new CD, but not for live performance, only time will tell

 

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

The music.

We have some new music, because everyone composes,

and we are still doing some of the older pieces with a lot of additional new music added by the band.

 

A different set of players, even if they are playing the same written music,

always sounds astoundingly different.

You can listen to any Bartok or Beethoven string quartet by 3 different string quartets and know what I am talking about.

One isn't better than the other just a different take on the same music.

the major difference being that we also improvise.

 

The biggest sonic change would be that we no longer have an oboe in the front line.

Alan Lechusza is one of the few woodwind players who also plays the double reed instruments like oboe and english horn who also improvises.

Damon Zick is now playing woodwinds with us and he does not play the double reed instruments, so that is a major sonic change.

Damon has a lot of chamber ensemble and orchestral experience as well as being an improvising jazz musician and brings all of that to our musical table as well as a great set of ears and compositions.

 

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE MUSIC IS IMPROVISE AND WHAT IS WRITTEN?

That depends on the piece, we are doing "straight" classical pieces as well as more "open" pieces.

But we are all grounded in some type of improvisation and each type of improvisation has its own set of ground rules.

The rules of improvisation for flamenco are not the same for jazz and/or North Indian classical music.

 

WHAT HASN'T CHANGED?

QUARTETO will continue to utilize some of our favorite guest musicians like

Martin Espino, pre-hispanic musician and scholar - www.martinespino.com

Harry Scorzo, violinist extraordinaire - www.harryscorzo.com

Nick Ariondo, monster accordionist - www.nickariondo.com

 

we have always utilized these great musicians

people should be aware that they exist

 

WHEN IS THE NEW CD COMING OUT?

We just did a demo, 4 tunes

we have a lot more to do

probably no later than Fall 2008

 

WHAT NEXT?

We go where the music leads us.

Only time will tell