Quarteto Nuevo de Los Angeles
Burbank, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
"QUARTETO NUEVO, a unique world jazz quartet is sometimes reminiscent of Oregon. Founded in 2001 by percussionist Christopher Garcia (who is particularly adept on tabla),
the current edition of the group also includes cellist Jacob Szekely, acoustic guitarist Kenton Youngstrom and Damon Zick on soprano sax and alto flute.
Performing originals plus pieces by Egberto Gismonti and Milcho Leviev, QUARTETO NUEVO features individual solos but the main emphasis, and the most unique aspect of the group, is their ensemble sound. Influenced by styles from India and Mexico in addition to jazz and classical music. QUARTETO NUEVO'S music is modern and uses advanced rhythms and time signatures yet also has the sound of ancient times. Their nine performances on their CD are atmospheric, full of subtle surprises and unlike anything else heard in the jazz world.
Clearly this would be a fascinating group to see live and fortunately they perform occasionally in the Los Angeles area. This fine outing gives listeners a strong example of their music."
LA JAZZ SCENE
SCOTT YANOW - LA JAZZ SCENE APRIL 2011 EDITION
"QUARTETO NUEVO, a unique world jazz quartet is sometimes reminiscent of Oregon. Founded in 2001 by percussionist Christopher Garcia (who is particularly adept on tabla),
the current edition of the group also includes cellist Jacob Szekely, acoustic guitarist Kenton Youngstrom and Damon Zick on soprano sax and alto flute.
Performing originals plus pieces by Egberto Gismonti and Milcho Leviev, QUARTETO NUEVO features individual solos but the main emphasis, and the most unique aspect of the group, is their ensemble sound. Influenced by styles from India and Mexico in addition to jazz and classical music. QUARTETO NUEVO'S music is modern and uses advanced rhythms and time signatures yet also has the sound of ancient times. Their nine performances on their CD are atmospheric, full of subtle surprises and unlike anything else heard in the jazz world.
Clearly this would be a fascinating group to see live and fortunately they perform occasionally in the Los Angeles area. This fine outing gives listeners a strong example of their music."
LA JAZZ SCENE
SCOTT YANOW - LA JAZZ SCENE APRIL 2011 EDITION
"Whenever it seems warranted and I have the
time, I always like to listen to music (CDs) more than once, back-to-back.
More often I just select two tracks and listen to them 4 or 5 times --
I seem to learn more about the artists and their music that way.
With this new Quarteto record I put it on yesterday morning at 8:30 and
more or less listened to it all day.......BUT the
music still gets into your pores.
What a great record.
It grows on you.
A record can either grow on you not. This one just blossomed by
the fourth rotation. Wow. It has such a tender-hearted and delicate beauty
that envelops you with warmth. In a lot of ways it is an affectionate and
even-handed portrait of today's Los Angeles.
Thanks for laying this gem on me !"
Mark Weber
KUNM Albuquerque USA
Thursday Jazz @ Noon
(streaming on web, also > KUNM.org )
- KUNM DJ Mark Weber
"Whenever it seems warranted and I have the
time, I always like to listen to music (CDs) more than once, back-to-back.
More often I just select two tracks and listen to them 4 or 5 times --
I seem to learn more about the artists and their music that way.
With this new Quarteto record I put it on yesterday morning at 8:30 and
more or less listened to it all day.......BUT the
music still gets into your pores.
What a great record.
It grows on you.
A record can either grow on you not. This one just blossomed by
the fourth rotation. Wow. It has such a tender-hearted and delicate beauty
that envelops you with warmth. In a lot of ways it is an affectionate and
even-handed portrait of today's Los Angeles.
Thanks for laying this gem on me !"
Mark Weber
KUNM Albuquerque USA
Thursday Jazz @ Noon
(streaming on web, also > KUNM.org )
- KUNM DJ Mark Weber
Sat. Nov. 13 --
Local world musicians Quarteto Nuevo have re-formed with a new lineup:
omni-drummer Christopher Garcia now joined by cellist Jacob Szekely,
guitarist Kenton Youngstrom and saxist Damon Zick. Their fresh album
"Quarteto Nuevo" conserves the features that made the group so attractive
before -- an original and instantly accessible approach to Middle Eastern,
Indian, Mexican and flamenco music, with bridges built among 'em all.
(Even a Zappa tune, because that's essential to Garcia's lineage.)
The watchword is space, as you'll breathe deeply and relax with the cleanly
defined balance of these master musicians, who could play a lot busier but don't,
because they want to communicate. Listen to the way Garcia slaps tablas,
so deep and internal that they seem like part of your own ventricles.
Szekely draws out rich bowed lines, Youngstrom strums or melodicizes,
Zick subs for double-reed snake music with an undulating soprano sax,
and they're as symmetrical and beautiful as an arabesque.
The kids will dig it.
- Metaljazz.com
Sat. Nov. 13 --
Local world musicians Quarteto Nuevo have re-formed with a new lineup:
omni-drummer Christopher Garcia now joined by cellist Jacob Szekely,
guitarist Kenton Youngstrom and saxist Damon Zick. Their fresh album
"Quarteto Nuevo" conserves the features that made the group so attractive
before -- an original and instantly accessible approach to Middle Eastern,
Indian, Mexican and flamenco music, with bridges built among 'em all.
(Even a Zappa tune, because that's essential to Garcia's lineage.)
The watchword is space, as you'll breathe deeply and relax with the cleanly
defined balance of these master musicians, who could play a lot busier but don't,
because they want to communicate. Listen to the way Garcia slaps tablas,
so deep and internal that they seem like part of your own ventricles.
Szekely draws out rich bowed lines, Youngstrom strums or melodicizes,
Zick subs for double-reed snake music with an undulating soprano sax,
and they're as symmetrical and beautiful as an arabesque.
The kids will dig it.
- Metaljazz.com
"Percussionist Garcia just kicked my ears down
Broadway. ..... cross-legged, almost hidden behind his
unique drum kit, coaxing complex rhythms from hand
drums and adding subtle colors on shakers, cymbals,
cowbell and jam blocks.”
- SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
"Percussionist Garcia just kicked my ears down
Broadway. ..... cross-legged, almost hidden behind his
unique drum kit, coaxing complex rhythms from hand
drums and adding subtle colors on shakers, cymbals,
cowbell and jam blocks.”
- SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
"irresistible program...stunning projection...highly
motivated performances...exceptional virtuosity and
high musical standards" - LOS ANGELES TIMES
"irresistible program...stunning projection...highly
motivated performances...exceptional virtuosity and
high musical standards" - LOS ANGELES TIMES
“QUARTETO NUEVO is concert pick of the week!" - LA WEEKLY
“QUARTETO NUEVO is concert pick of the week!" - LA WEEKLY
“Straddling the worlds of folkloric, jazz, and contemporary composition,
these four virtuosos make a hybrid music that’s greater than the sum of its parts."
- L.A. CITY BEAT
“Straddling the worlds of folkloric, jazz, and contemporary composition,
these four virtuosos make a hybrid music that’s greater than the sum of its parts."
- L.A. CITY BEAT
“This is an intriguing set. Although there have been many types of "fusions"
of jazz with other types of music, only a relatively few projects have mixed
jazz with World Music from foreign countries. Quarteto Nuevo's music goes
through quite a few different moods yet remains gentle, subtle, melodic and often
rhythmically complex....this CD almost seems like a suite, with one number leading
to the next.”
- LA JAZZ SCENE - Scott Yanow
“This is an intriguing set. Although there have been many types of "fusions"
of jazz with other types of music, only a relatively few projects have mixed
jazz with World Music from foreign countries. Quarteto Nuevo's music goes
through quite a few different moods yet remains gentle, subtle, melodic and often
rhythmically complex....this CD almost seems like a suite, with one number leading
to the next.”
- LA JAZZ SCENE - Scott Yanow
Chris Garcia is a most uncommon percussionist .......an ace trap drum player
....known for precise execution of difficult time signatures at blazing tempos;
and he’s a hand percussionist with a deep background in Indian and Latin American music.
No mere timekeeper, he always seems to elevate whatever musical situation
he finds himself in. His Quarteto Nuevo ....spins a fantastic hybrid of sounds
and styles: the Andes, the Punjab and Catalonia might all be suggested on one tune.
Garcia conceived his group as an outlet for his own compositions and as a meeting
place for gifted instrumentalists. Youngstrom observes, “With each new tune,
the group subtly redefines itself.
My ‘Say What?’ is inspired by Latin jazz; my chart on Milcho Leviev’s
‘Women’s Dance’ is like a Bulgarian blues in 5/4.” Garcia sees growth in the
last decade. “We’ve accomplished a new sound for the ensemble.
There’s so much more that we’re hearing now due to rehearsals
and many more doors have been opened to us.
Our limitations are, as always, ourselves and time.”
- PASADENA WEEKLY-Kirk Silsbee
Chris Garcia is a most uncommon percussionist .......an ace trap drum player
....known for precise execution of difficult time signatures at blazing tempos;
and he’s a hand percussionist with a deep background in Indian and Latin American music.
No mere timekeeper, he always seems to elevate whatever musical situation
he finds himself in. His Quarteto Nuevo ....spins a fantastic hybrid of sounds
and styles: the Andes, the Punjab and Catalonia might all be suggested on one tune.
Garcia conceived his group as an outlet for his own compositions and as a meeting
place for gifted instrumentalists. Youngstrom observes, “With each new tune,
the group subtly redefines itself.
My ‘Say What?’ is inspired by Latin jazz; my chart on Milcho Leviev’s
‘Women’s Dance’ is like a Bulgarian blues in 5/4.” Garcia sees growth in the
last decade. “We’ve accomplished a new sound for the ensemble.
There’s so much more that we’re hearing now due to rehearsals
and many more doors have been opened to us.
Our limitations are, as always, ourselves and time.”
- PASADENA WEEKLY-Kirk Silsbee
“What this quartet effectively does, is to merge Andean folk, North Indian classical,
Latin and jazz with an organic feel that also packs a wallop! The ensemble's razor
sharp precision is enhanced by its jazzy interludes, lightly rumbling percussion motifs
and difficult to navigate, time signatures. They effectively meld the music of ancient
worlds and faraway places with a contemporary groove. Ultimately, this wonderful
outing signifies one of the major surprises of the year!
(Passionately recommended)” - ALL ABOUT JAZZ - Glenn Astarita
“What this quartet effectively does, is to merge Andean folk, North Indian classical,
Latin and jazz with an organic feel that also packs a wallop! The ensemble's razor
sharp precision is enhanced by its jazzy interludes, lightly rumbling percussion motifs
and difficult to navigate, time signatures. They effectively meld the music of ancient
worlds and faraway places with a contemporary groove. Ultimately, this wonderful
outing signifies one of the major surprises of the year!
(Passionately recommended)” - ALL ABOUT JAZZ - Glenn Astarita
Discography
Quarteto Nuevo (self-titled) - 2010
El Musico - 2007
Photos
Bio
Quarteto Nuevo de Los Angeles was founded in 2001 by master percussionist Christopher Garcia*.
This world/jazz/chamber ensembles unique style is the product of the musical diversity of its members who are deeply rooted in the worlds of North and South Indian, Classical, Mexican Indigenous, Folkloric and Jazz music.
The groups live performances and two studio recordings have received critical acclaim and rave reviews from print and internet media:All About Jazz, Downbeat, LA Jazz times, The LA Times, and The San Jose Mercury News to name a few.
Melding the sound of ancient worlds and faraway places with a contemporary groove, Quarteto Nuevo's music is complex in its structure and sophisticated time signatures but always melodic, accessible, and deeply communicative.
What this quartet effectively does, is to merge Andean folk, North Indian classical,
Latin and jazz with an organic feel that also packs a wallop! The ensemble's razor
sharp precision is enhanced by its jazzy interludes, lightly rumbling percussion motifs and difficult to navigate, time signatures. They effectively meld the music of ancient worlds and faraway places with a contemporary groove. Ultimately, this wonderful outing signifies one of the major surprises of the year! (Passionately recommended)
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
"the most unique aspect of the group, is their ensemble sound. Influenced by styles
from India and Mexico in addition to jazz and classical music. QUARTETO NUEVO'S music is modern and uses advanced rhythms and time signatures yet also has the sound of ancient times. Their nine performances on their CD are atmospheric, full of subtle surprises and unlike anything else heard in the jazz world."
LA JAZZ SCENE
"Their fresh album "Quarteto Nuevo" conserves the features that made the group so attractive before -- an original and instantly accessible approach to Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican and flamenco music, with bridges built among 'em all. (Even a Zappa tune, because that's essential to Garcia's lineage.) The watchword is space, as you'll breathe deeply and relax with the cleanly defined balance of these master musicians, who could play a lot busier but don't, because they want to communicate."
METALJAZZ
"Playing what one might term World Music,the group is more of a jazz ensemble
that uses traditions of different cultures musics as a solid foundation, combining
unusual and unique instrumental textures and orchestrations with authoritative
improvising. Original compositions are rendered along with arrangements of favorites by a variety of other composers, all blending together to create a consistent ensemble sound and identity."
OPEN GATE THEATER
"Quarteto Nuevo is CONCERT PICK OF THE WEEK"
LA WEEKLY
"Straddling the worlds of folkloric, jazz, and contemporary composition, these four
virtuosos make a hybrid music that's greater than the sum of its parts."
L.A. CITY BEAT
Chris Garcia is a most uncommon percussionist...an ace trap drum player
....known for precise execution of difficult time signatures at blazing tempos;
and hes a hand percussionist with a deep background in Indian and Latin American music. No mere timekeeper, he always seems to elevate whatever musical situation he finds himself in. His Quarteto Nuevo...spins a fantastic hybrid of sounds and styles: the Andes, the Punjab and Catalonia might all be suggested on one tune. Garcia conceived his group as an outlet for his own compositions and as a meeting place for gifted instrumentalists. Youngstrom observes, With each new tune, the group subtly redefines itself."
PASADENA WEEKLY
"Christopher Garcia is one of those musicians who always seems to be on stage
when amazing things are happening. Although he's a phenomenal drummer, he may be best known as a master of Vedic percussion techniques and, specifically, the tabla."
LONG BEACH POST
" percussionist Garcia just kicked my ears down Broadway. He sat cross-legged,
almost hidden behind his unique drum kit, coaxing complex rhythms from hand drums and adding subtle colors on shakers, cymbals, cowbell and jam blocks."
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
"I love seeing great percussionists perform even more. Chris is a freak! His setup is played sitting on the floor with indian, middle eastern, and african hand percussion mixed with traditional cymbals and some misc stuff like thin gongs and a thunderstick. His time is immaculate, his musicality is deep deep deep, and he is a super nice guy. "
ZAPPATEERS.COM
Band Members
Links
