Marcio Garcia: Forest

Debut records are a treat when the artist has the goods, doesn't overreach and try to show off everything he can do, which is the case with Marcio Garcia's Forest. Pianist Garcia—born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and now based in New York City—offers up this, his first recording, a mostly trio affair which reveals an artist with a depth of purpose and a focused vision, coming out of a foundation of classical training.

Opening with the disc's title tune, Garcia shapes a sound that is intimate, refined and approachably cerebral. Patiently and beautifully delivered—with a mix that allows for full appreciation of the trio dynamic—the tune has the mood of a contemplative solo walk through a quiet, shaded "Forest": cool moss on the northern sides of tall trees, the hint of a breeze, dappled sunlight in the solitude.

"I. Red Mountain" features saxophonist Rich Bomzer. His impassioned tenor sound tucks itself inside the restrained flow of the melancholy currents of Garcia's composition. "Valley" is delivered with a soothing grace. "Last Rodeo" sounds sad and outside the flow of time; "Touch" brings in a brighter mood.

"Labyrinth," the closer, is the loveliest, most mysterious tune of Garcia's all-originals set. Calm, reflective, and brief, it wraps up a very promising debut on an elegant note.