Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rob Garcia's Sangha: Heart's Fire

Rob Garcia's Sangha: Heart's Fire

By Michael P. Gladstone
November 28, 2007
View read count

Drummer/percussionist/bandleader Rob Garcia's Heart's Fire, with his group Sangha, may initially be reminiscent of the music of Black Jazz Records, a 1970s-era label that focused on original soul-jazz, but further listens reveal something more.

The word "Sangha" is a Buddhist term that comes from the Three Treasures roughly translating to "the community of Truth seekers." The group is well represented by, alongside Garcia, flutist Michael Gentile, saxophonist Adam Kolker, guitarist Kenny Wessel, pianist Daniel Kelly and Dave Ambrosio on bass, in addition to vocalist Yoon Sun Choi, a strong-voiced singer who appears on almost every track. The lyrics are not particularly meaningful, but they offer a good reason to hear Choi, a definite asset to the group.

Garcia's original lines are delivered nicely by the front line in a bracing manner (another reference to Black Jazz). The only tune that is clearly intended to be a breakout for the group is "It's Ruby" which, after a very brief vocal intro by Choi, goes into full-tilt Latin jazz mode for a nine minute excursion. This is exciting music and Garcia's band seems most comfortable showing their prowess.

Track Listing

Beginnings; Is It Me; It's Ruby; Heart's Fire; Coming Home; Sangha; Be A Lover; Fresh; Thank You.

Personnel

Rob Garcia

drums

Rob Garcia: drums, percussion; Michael Gentile: flute; Adam Kolker: tenor and soprano sax; Yoon Sun Choi: vocals; Kenny Wessel: guitar; Daniel Kelly: piano; Dave Ambrosio: bass.

Album information

Title: Heart's Fire | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Connection Works Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Rendezvous
< Previous

Braid
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.