Daniel Garbin: Rising

Rising is the debut recording from Romanian-born guitarist Daniel Garbin who shows his versatility on the album's opening track (and title song) by performing it on his second instrument, the Indian sitar.

Although that is not merely a gimmick (he plays the sitar quite well), Garbin stays with guitar the rest of the way, leading his quintet through a program that consists of seven original compositions, four written by Garbin, the others co-authored by him with the album's co- producer, Simona Pop.

Alto saxophonist Scott Litroff flanks Garbin on the front line, while pianist Camila Cortina, bassist Eddy Khaimovich and drummer Brian Woodruff manage the rhythm. The group does the best it can to enliven a menu that is at times less than inspiring. Garbin's themes, and those co-written with Pop, generally stammer rather than spring forward, with not much meat on their bones. That leaves the impetus to Garvin and his mates, often with less than special results.

As noted, Garbin is a schooled musician (actually self-taught!) who plays quite well. On the other hand, he sounds much like many another guitarist who plays with similar technique and insight. Which is another way of saying he has yet to find a personal voice on the instrument. Much the same can be said for Litroff who gets the job done but would not be out of place on a smooth jazz recording. Among the soloists, it is Cortina who most often entices the ear.

As to the music, the gentle Brazilian-flavored "Simi's Bossa" has some pleasurable moments, and "Rolling Hills" flows neatly along, as does the rhythmic "Anomisericordo," while "DSD" leaves a pleasing taste before the quintet slips quietly "Into the Sunset."

The hope is that Garbin enjoys a long and productive musical career. But should that not happen, Garbin can always turn to his other career, that of Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Queensborough Community College, a part of the City College of New York (CUNY). It is an important position, and he did not have to pull any strings to earn it.