CD Review: Daniel García, Wonderland

Daniel García, a prominent figure in Spanish jazz, presents his third album on ACT Music with “Wonderland.” Due for release on August 30 2024, this latest offering from the Daniel García Trio showcases a significant shift in their musical approach. While García’s previous works, “Travesuras” (2019) and “Vía de la Plata” (2021), were deeply rooted in flamenco and traditional Spanish music, “Wonderland” expands its sonic palette to incorporate a broader range of influences.

Born in Salamanca in 1983, García has established himself as a notable pianist in the Spanish jazz scene. His trio, featuring Cuban-born musicians Reinier “El Negron” on bass and Michael Olivera on drums, has gained recognition across Europe and beyond, with over 300 concerts to their credit. This collaboration exemplifies the current trend in Spanish jazz, where musicians from Cuba have found a welcoming environment, bringing their exceptional musical training and rich cultural influences to the mix.

“Wonderland” marks a departure from García’s earlier work, blending elements of modern jazz, classical music, pop, Caribbean rhythms, and Middle Eastern sounds. The result is a diverse and eclectic album that reflects the trio’s musical growth and García’s expanding artistic vision. Through twelve carefully crafted tracks, the album invites listeners to explore themes of introspection and self-discovery, drawing inspiration from Swiss psychologist Carl Jung’s ideas about inner awakening.

Daniel García, a prominent figure in Spanish jazz, presents his third album on ACT Music with “Wonderland.” Released in 2024, this latest offering from the Daniel García Trio showcases a significant shift in their musical approach. While García’s previous works, “Travesuras” (2019) and “Vía de la Plata” (2021), were deeply rooted in flamenco and traditional Spanish music, “Wonderland” expands its sonic palette to incorporate a broader range of influences.

The album’s concept is deeply rooted in introspection and self-discovery. García draws inspiration from Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, inviting listeners to look inward and awaken to their true selves. The pianist describes “Wonderland” as a secret haven where our deepest illusions and most fervent hopes reside, guiding us through life’s labyrinth. This theme of inner exploration is woven throughout the album’s twelve tracks, each serving as a portal to different facets of human nature.

The journey begins with “Paz,” a solo piano piece that sets the tone with its introspective melody reminiscent of Joaquín Rodrigo’s compositions. This gentle opening gives way to the full trio in “Gates to the Land of Wonders,” an up-tempo track with an engaging melody that showcases the group’s tight-knit chemistry.

The title track, “Wonderland,” features guest guitarist Gilad Hekselman, whose presence adds an ethereal quality to the piece. García expresses his admiration for Hekselman’s creativity and human-like expression through his instrument, and their collaboration results in a track with an almost Celtic flavor.

Daniel Garcia Trio | Photo by Diego Garcia

As the album progresses, we’re treated to a variety of moods and textures. “The Gathering” stands out for its rhythmic complexity, particularly in the interplay between piano and bass. “Mi Bolita,” a tender piece dedicated to García’s newborn nephew, highlights the importance of family in the pianist’s life and demonstrates the trio’s beautiful interplay.

Two vocal tracks add another dimension to the album. “You and Me,” featuring New York-based Catalan singer Lau Noah, is an intimate and almost fragile piece that invites listeners to forget their pain and dance. The other vocal track, “La Tarara,” showcases the talents of Verónica Ferreiro, whose style evokes the passion of cante flamenco.

Throughout “Wonderland,” García’s compositions remain concise, with almost all tracks clocking in under four minutes. This brevity serves the album well, allowing each piece to make its statement without overstaying its welcome. Solos are short and purposeful, fitting perfectly within the context of each composition. This approach underscores the album’s ensemble nature, where the focus is on the collective sound rather than individual virtuosity.

The album’s production is crisp and clear, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound. The mix strikes a balance between intimacy and spaciousness, particularly evident in tracks like “You and Me,” where the vocals are brought to the forefront to enhance the song’s emotional impact.

One of the most striking aspects of “Wonderland” is its underlying folk sensibility. Despite the diverse influences at play, there’s a rootedness to the music that keeps it grounded and accessible. This folk-like quality adds depth to the album’s more experimental moments, creating a listening experience that is both challenging and comforting.

The closing track, “The Path of Life,” brings the journey to a contemplative end. Its introspective tone encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of self-discovery and inner peace, leaving listeners with a sense of resolution and hope.

In his liner notes, García eloquently expresses the album’s intention: to capture a glimpse of our internal realm, which he sees as both personal and universal. He challenges listeners to confront their deepest fears, cherish their dreams, question their illusions, and ultimately hold onto hope. This philosophical underpinning gives “Wonderland” a depth that goes beyond mere musical enjoyment, encouraging active engagement from the audience.

From a critical perspective, “Wonderland” is a testament to Daniel García’s growth as a composer and bandleader. The album showcases his ability to synthesize diverse influences into a coherent and engaging musical narrative. The trio’s tight-knit performance speaks to their years of collaboration, with Reinier “El Negron” and Michael Olivera proving to be the perfect foils for García’s musical vision.

While the album’s conceptual depth is commendable, some listeners might find the constant shifts in style and mood challenging to follow. However, this eclecticism is also one of the album’s strengths, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the inner world it seeks to explore.

The decision to keep the tracks concise is largely successful, allowing for a more focused and impactful listening experience. However, there are moments where one might wish for a bit more development or exploration of certain musical ideas. This is a minor quibble, though, as the album’s pacing and flow are generally well-executed. The guest appearances by Gilad Hekselman, Lau Noah, and Verónica Ferreiro add welcome variety to the trio’s sound without overshadowing the core group. These collaborations are thoughtfully integrated and enhance the album’s overall narrative.

“Wonderland” is not an album that reveals all its secrets on the first listen. Its layers of complexity and emotional depth reward repeated listening, with new nuances and connections emerging over time. This quality makes it a standout in the contemporary jazz landscape, where instant gratification often takes precedence over lasting impact.

In conclusion, “Wonderland” is a remarkable album that successfully balances technical prowess with emotional resonance, creating a work that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the realm of jazz, making “Wonderland” a truly special and timely musical offering.

Release Date: August 30, 2024
Format: CD | LP | Streaming
Label: ACT Records

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