Eric McGarry

What better vehicle for the artistry a most gifted guitarist – Eric McGarry – than playing his own compositions on his album As I Am, As You Are, to ravish the senses of the listener? The musicality of the works – melodic invention, intricate harmonic conception and praiseworthy rhythmic orientation certainly facilitates this showcase worthy of musicians who are considerably better-known, some of whom may even be more experienced in years and performance experience.

he works represented here are both individual and inspired. Much of the work has a gentle evocativeness about it [cue Inhale, Exhale, for example], while others may be more meditative [such as Transcendence] and still others lively and even rambunctious [such as Forward Towards the Light]. The combustible energy and propulsion of the latter comes, no doubt from the alto saxophone of Melvin Toussaint, who then provokes the drummer Steven Perry to cut loose and bring an almighty rumble, rattle, and roll of the drums, heightened by a fierce hissing of the cymbals throughout.

The central – existentialist – theme of the song As I Am, As You Were is seductively managed – sample the poetic playing by Mr McGarry throughout the piece. This is something that we hear in the guitarist’s playing throughout the album. His marvelous control of tone and pitch is utterly captivating. And he is wonderfully supported by a group of individual musicians who are superbly attuned to his vision and artistry.

All this makes for a truly ravishing programme in which Mr McGarry’s masterly control of momentum and drama through register, texture and ornament is fully brought out by his highly expressive, cantabile and colouristic playing. These are miniatures, yes, but even in the shortest of the works, the lyrical intensity is as profound as that in longer pieces. All told we are introduced to a musician who shows more than remarkable promise – but maturity enough to produce repertoire that many attempts by bigger or better-known artists will have a hard time matching.
Deo gratis…!

Tracks – 1: Migration; 2: Monocarpia; 3: Forward Towards the Light; 4: Tides; 5: Inhale, Exhale; 6: Transcendence; 7: As I Am, As You Were

Musicians – Eric McGarry: electric guitar and acoustic guitar; Micah Graves: concert grand piano and Fender Rhodes [1, 3, 4]; Melvin Toussaint: alto saxophone; Pete Dennis: contrabass; Steven Perry: drum set. With – Ross Bellenoit: lap steel guitar [1] and auxiliary percussion [1, 2, 4]

Released – 2023
Label – Independent
Runtime – 44:32 - Jazz de Gama

Eric McGarry's debut album As I Am, As You Were is an exploration of the complexities of change which finds its inspiration in the natural world, personal relationships, and introspective thoughts on authenticity and identity. McGarry, an established guitarist, composer and educator, presents his listeners with an exquisite musical journey marked by his musical storytelling through the language of jazz.

The album opens with "Migration," a track which sets the tone with its modern straight eight rhythms. McGarry's deft touch on the electric guitar is relaxed, and flows with a strong foundation in the jazz tradition, while reaching to today's modern jazz language. Micah Graves' Fender Rhodes imbues the composition with a sense of journey and transformation.

"Monocarpia," the second track, continues this narrative, showcasing McGarry's compositional skill and interesting use of orchestration within a quartet setting. The interaction between McGarry's warmly distorted guitar, Mervin Toussaint's alto saxophone, and Steven Perry's drums creates an intricate melodic dialogue which resonates with the listener.

"Forward Towards The Light" and "Tides" further exemplify the album's thematic underpinnings, presenting an evolving musical landscape which exhibits the constant flux of nature and life. The interplay between the musicians, especially the harmonic balance between McGarry's guitar and Pete Dennis's upright bass, creates a sonic atmosphere which is as immersive as it is expressive.

"Inhale, Exhale," a seven-minute musical meditation, captures a well-constructed contemplative mood. The track's nuanced, breath-like rhythmic patterns echo the title, giving the listener a moment of introspective respite.

"Transcendence" provides a powerful penultimate piece, its progressive jazz elements demonstrating McGarry's deep understanding of the modern jazz genre; his ability to push its boundaries is musical and informed with the foundational expertise of the jazz guitar lineage.

The album concludes with the title track, "As I Am, As You Were," a heartfelt musical reflection which beautifully summarizes the album's narrative arc. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative journey the listener has taken, guided by McGarry's insightful composition and performance. Throughout the album, McGarry's compositions shine, filled with memorable melodies and well-chosen harmonic landscapes which allow for ample ensemble interaction and improvisation. This, coupled with the performances of each musician, creates a cohesive album which feels like a well-tuned ensemble, rather than a collection of separate pieces. Notably, Ross Bellenoit's addition of lap steel and auxiliary percussion adds a unique touch to the album, further enhancing its overall texture and depth.

As I Am, As You Were is an outstanding debut from McGarry. His sophisticated understanding of jazz and his ability to craft compositions which resonate on a deeply emotional level are at the core of the album's success. McGarry also builds an unmistakable narrative of a journey through change—one which invites its listeners to reflect, explore and, ultimately, transform with the music. With this debut, McGarry has an excellent foundation to build his name as a notable figure in modern jazz, and listeners can only anticipate his future projects with excitement. - All About Jazz

In the heart of Eric McGarry’s debut album, As I Am, As You Were, released on January 27, 2023, there lies a narrative deeply interwoven with themes of change, self-discovery, and the cyclical nature of existence. This album, featuring McGarry on both electric and acoustic guitars, alongside Micah Graves on piano and Fender Rhodes, Mervin Toussaint on alto saxophone, Pete Dennis on upright bass, and Steven Perry on drums, reflects McGarry’s multifaceted talent as a composer, musician, and leader. With all compositions credited to McGarry, the album unfolds as a coherent exploration of musical innovation, rooted in the rich soils of contemporary jazz.

The opening track, “Migration,” sets the tone with its intricate groove and captivating interplay between McGarry’s guitar and Toussaint’s saxophone. McGarry’s approach to the guitar solo—marked by warm distortion and melodically rich lines—paints a vivid picture of musical dialogue, enhanced by the ethereal touch of Ross Bellenoit’s lap steel guitar. This track demonstrates the quintet’s exceptional synergy and McGarry’s ability to create an inviting and complex musical canvas.

“Monocarpia” further exemplifies McGarry’s gift for composition, weaving a suspenseful journey that balances introspection with dynamic range. The warm, woody tone of McGarry’s guitar, paired with Graves’ dynamic piano accompaniment, showcases a profound understanding of musical storytelling. This piece, in particular, highlights the ensemble’s ability to navigate through varying intensities, offering listeners an immersive experience of emotional depth and technical proficiency.

The album’s thematic core—examining the self in the face of change—is eloquently expressed in “Tides” and “Inhale,Eric-McGarry-2 Exhale.” These compositions delve into the nature of change, using musical metaphors to reflect on personal growth and the transformative journey of self-discovery. “Tides,” with its rhythmic evocativeness and compelling interplay between the players, sings of life’s persistent patterns, while “Inhale, Exhale” offers a pattern of self-exploration to rise above challenges.

McGarry’s transition to acoustic guitar in “Transcendence” introduces a refreshing textural shift and significantly enriches the album’s sonic landscape, showcasing his exceptional versatility as a musician. This composition, where meditative tones of contemporary gospel seamlessly meet the intricate layers of contemporary jazz, serves as a profound metaphor for personal growth and transformation. The acoustic guitar’s softer, more introspective sound underscores the album’s exploration of change, starkly contrasting the more electric textures found elsewhere on As I Am, As You Were.

Mervin Toussaint’s alto saxophone solo in this piece is delightful. His performance showcases lyrical brilliance and emotional depth, reflecting the album’s thematic preoccupation with the cyclical nature of life and the continuous journey of self-discovery. Toussaint’s ability to convey complex emotions through his instrument adds a layer of narrative depth to the composition, making “Transcendence” a standout track that resonates on multiple levels.

Through the integration of gospel and jazz elements, “Transcendence” reflects the broader narrative of As I Am, As You Were—an artistic journey through the landscapes of change, identity, and authenticity. This blend of genres not only highlights McGarry’s innovative approach to composition but also aligns with the album’s message about the beauty and complexity of personal and musical evolution. The ensemble’s ability to convey this message through a cohesive and emotionally charged performance underscores the album’s exploration of the self in the face of change, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.

The rhythm section, with Dennis on upright bass and Perry on drums, crafts a foundational backdrop that is both beautiful and uplifting. Their work allows the compositions to flow naturally, breathing life into McGarry’s themes of change and evolution with every note. This emotional energy is palpable, turning each composition into an immersive experience that mirrors the album’s core message of introspection, growth, and the transformative power of embracing change.

Throughout As I Am, As You Were, McGarry and his ensemble navigate the complexities of modern jazz with apparent ease, blending traditional elements with contemporary approaches. The album’s production, helmed by McGarry and Ross Bellenoit, is meticulously crafted, allowing each instrument’s voice to resonate clearly and contribute to the overarching narrative. The mastering by Doug Raus ensures that the album’s intricate details and nuanced performances are preserved, offering listeners a pristine auditory experience.

Eric-McGarry-1McGarry’s debut album is a solid collection of compositions that are a journey through the myriad facets of contemporary jazz. Through his leadership, McGarry showcases his exceptional skill as a musician and composer, which invites listeners to partake in a profoundly resonant exploration of the self. As I Am, As You Were emerges as seven tracks of emotional depth and technical mastery, firmly establishing McGarry as a significant voice in contemporary jazz, capable of articulating the subtle complexities of human experience through the universal language of music. - 5 Finger Review

Eric McGarry is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of the Arts with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and has studied with prominent guitarists such as Dave Allen, Matt Davis, Tim Motzer, Kevin Hanson, Mike Kennedy, and Ben O’Neill. His main creative project is the Eric McGarry Quintet, which focuses on performing his original compositions. He has been recognized for his talent and contributions to jazz, including being named a recipient of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency and a Jazz Philadelphia’s Core Cooperative member.

McGarry released his debut album, As I Am, As You Were, on January 27, 2023. The album features McGarry on electric and acoustic guitars, Micah Graves on piano and Fender Rhodes, Mervin Toussaint on alto saxophone, Pete Dennis on upright bass, and Steven Perry on drums. All compositions are by Eric McGarry, and the album is produced by Ross Bellenoit and Eric McGarry, recorded at Turtle Studios, and mastered by Doug Raus.

A recurring theme in McGarry’s album, As I Am, As You Were, is change and examining the self in the face of this change. This theme is reflected in the natural world, personal relationships, and thoughts on authenticity and identity. Moreover, there is a focus on the nature of change and its impact on one’s self-perception and worldview. Given this theme, two songs that provide an exciting insight into McGarry’s music are “Inhale, Exhale,” and “Transcendence.”

Drawing parallels to life’s automatic yet ever-changing rhythms, “Inhale, Exhale” is a sophisticated metaphor for the cyclical nature of change, embodied in a composition that sings with a rhythmic evocativeness of life’s persistent patterns. The interplay between bass and piano, harmonizing with the melody masterfully articulated by McGarry and Graves, is a great use of counterpoint. With a modern jazz vibe that’s as infectious as it is compelling, the composition unravels, revealing layers of musical exploration.

McGarry’s solo, infused with warm distortion and enriched by carefully selected delay and reverb, presents a modern jazz guitar tone that sustains and sings, harmonizing perfectly with the underlying rhythm. His linear ideas beautifully maintain a reference to the underlying harmony and are informed by his adept musicianship.

Toussaint’s solo, meanwhile, is an emotional crescendo, supported by Graves’ dynamic chordal patterns, encapsulating a sense of intense movement and change. The ensemble demonstrates a remarkable ability to work and listen in unison, creating a musical journey that resonates with power and emotion. “Inhale, Exhale” is a profoundly impactful auditory experience, reflecting the subtle beauty of life’s continuous cycles of change through McGarry’s compositional stylings.

“Transcendence” is a musical metaphor for personal growth and progression, symbolizing the transformative journey of rising above challenges and navigating change. This composition captures the listener’s imagination with its meditative and introspective sonic palette and rhythmic textures, invoking a more profound self-examination in the face of change.

With an opening by Graves that subtly echoes elements of gospel, the melody unfurls in a tapestry of beauty. Graves and Toussaint construct a compelling solo section, a harmonious blend of jazz and gospel that elevates the listener to a plane of musical contemplation. McGarry’s transition to acoustic guitar introduces a refreshing change in texture, further enriching the piece’s sonic landscape.

The composition’s vitality springs from the ensemble’s cohesive chemistry and astute listening skills, resulting in an immersive listening experience that is both compelling and resonant. In essence, “Transcendence” is more than a piece of music; it is a harmonious narrative of personal growth, a testament to the transformative power of change, and a symbol of the beauty found within the journey of self-discovery.

Throughout, the compositions on As I Am, As You Were, offer a rich exploration of change and self-discovery, encapsulating McGarry’s unique artistic vision and craftsmanship as a composer. “Inhale, Exhale” and “Transcendence” exemplify his ability to translate complex themes into captivating musical narratives, each offering an intimate reflection of life’s cyclical nature and the transformative journey of personal growth.

Through his compositions, McGarry and his ensemble invite us to contemplate the nature of change, prompting us to reflect on our own experiences and personal journeys and inspiring us to embrace the ever-present rhythm of life. McGarry’s musical expertise and ability to weave profound themes into the fabric of his compositions are a welcome addition to the modern jazz library. - The Jazz Word

Eric McGarry’s debut album, As I Am, As You Were, is a striking first album that shows his multifaceted skills as a guitarist, composer, and bandleader. As I Am, As You Were, released on January 27, 2023, represents a culmination of McGarry’s extensive musical education and influences and a profound exploration of themes like change, authenticity, and personal reflection.

The album opens with “Migration,” a track based on contemporary jazz with its intricate groove and engaging interplay between McGarry’s guitar and Mervin Toussaint’s saxophone. McGarry’s approach to the guitar solo is noteworthy; his warm distortion and sustained tone create a canvas for his active, yet melodically rich lines. This track also showcases the exceptional synergy within the quintet, particularly in the way Micah Graves’ Fender Rhodes piano interlocks with Steven Perry’s drumming and Pete Dennis’ upright bass. Ross Bellenoit’s lap steel guitar adds an ethereal dimension to the piece, enhancing the overall texture and mood.

“Inhale, Exhale” is an excellent example of McGarry’s gift for writing a modern jazz composition. The track’s call-and-response structure between the theme and rhythm section underpins a suspenseful and evolving musical journey. Here, McGarry’s soloing guitar tone is again warmly distorted, employing a delay effect contributing to a smooth, legato sound. Graves’ piano accompaniment is particularly noteworthy for its dynamic interaction with McGarry’s guitar, alternating between supportive and leading roles. Toussaint’s alto saxophone solo is a highlight, introducing a new energy level and dynamic range. The ensemble adeptly adapts to Toussaint’s intensity, underscoring the emotional impact of his solo.

McGarry’s compositions on this album reflect his deep engagement with various sources of inspiration, including the natural world, personal relationships, and introspective musings on identity and authenticity. Each piece feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, with the quintet’s collaborative spirit and individual musical voices contributing to a cohesive and expressive whole. The album’s production, led by Ross Bellenoit, further accentuates the ensemble’s strengths, ensuring that each instrument is given space to breathe and resonate.

In conclusion, As I Am, As You Were is not merely an impressive debut; it’s a compelling statement from an artist who can clearly articulate complex emotions and ideas through his music. Eric McGarry and his quintet have crafted an album that speaks volumes about their collective talent and vision, making it a significant addition to the contemporary jazz landscape. - Jazz Sensibilities