Daniel García: The Hero's Journey

Normally found fronting his trio, leading Spanish pianist Daniel Garcia moves to a solo format for The Hero's Journey. Composed during a period of family illness and bereavement, it is perhaps surprising that the album is not dark in any way. Instead Garcia maintains focus on the concept of the hero, as he explains: "For a long time I have been attracted by the hero figure—I'm not thinking at all about some invincible movie superhero, but rather the idea of a person constantly facing new challenges who needs to overcome them."

The Hero's Journey consists of 13 original compositions conceived as a single continuous experience, guiding the listener through a shifting landscape of moods and atmospheres. Alongside his piano, Garcia employs a Moog synthesizer, looped and pre-recorded violin, hand-claps and vocals. For the most part, these additions are used sparingly to add atmosphere and texture.

Garcia studied classical piano in Spain before moving to the United States to study under Grammy-winning Panamanian jazz pianist Danilo Pérez. The lovely opening passage "Life In A Crystal Ball" draws beautifully on those classical roots. The mood is then jolted by the arrival of vocals on "The Call To Adventure," an addition that sits uneasily, though the improvisation that follows is outstanding enough to win the listener back.

The album reaches its high point midway with the marvelous melody of "Tests," which evokes a sense of wonder before unfolding into a flowing improvisation. On "Allies," flamenco handclaps intertwine with rhythmic piano figures, lending the music a vibrant momentum, its playful closing contrasting with the darker counterpoint of "Enemies." Classical influences come to the fore once again in the excellent "Approach To The Inmost Cave," where pulsing instrumental textures and layered motifs create a sense of movement.

Elsewhere, "Meeting The Mentor" unfolds evocatively, continually shifting shape while maintaining a strong melodic core, and the through-composed "The Ordeal" once again reveals Garcia's fleet-fingered precision and control. Garcia's musical landscape calls upon his Spanish roots and classical foundations, integrated with jazz panache to create an absorbing and distinctive musical narrative. His expressive phrasing and evolving improvisational ideas sustain attention throughout, while allowing space for moments of beauty and reflection.