Cross-Cultural Jazz: Daniel Garbin Group

Drawing on jazz, Indian classical, Latin, and Eastern European music, by mathematician and college professor Daniel Garbin and his group.

Experience the diverse sounds of the Daniel Garbin Group, a cross-cultural jazz fusion ensemble led by Romanian-born guitarist, sitarist, composer, and bandleader Daniel Garbin. Drawing on jazz, Indian classical, Latin, and Eastern European music, Garbin creates a personal sound that brings the sitar into contemporary jazz. A mathematician and college professor, Garbin develops a unique perspective to composition and improvisation, and as a recipient of a CUNY Enhanced Grant, he will perform new works exploring the intersection of Indian classical music and jazz. His acclaimed album Rising showcases his innovative approach, earning praise from All About Jazz and Jazz Guitar Today, among others.

Joining him are extraordinary musicians:

• Camila Cortina Bello Cuban-born pianist, composer, and educator Camila blends Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation, and classical forms. A Yamaha Artist and New Jazz Works grantee, her work has been celebrated internationally, including on NPR’s Tiny Desk and at London’s Barbican Centre. She is a New Music USA Next Jazz Legacy Fellow.
• Varun Das (Yamaha, Remo, and Sabian artist) Drummer and composer whose intricate rhythms bridge Indian classical music, jazz, and progressive rock. A core member of Brooklyn’s Red Baraat, Das has performed with jazz icons including Joey DeFrancesco and Miguel Zenón.
• Hashem Assadullahi Saxophonist and educator known for his warm, melodic tone and sophisticated improvisation. He has performed with leading jazz artists across the U.S. and internationally.
• Trifon Dimitrov Bulgarian-born bassist combining classical training, jazz tradition, and modern improvisation, performing with acclaimed artists and on numerous recordings.

This performance will feature Garbin’s newly recorded CUNY grant compositions alongside selections from Rising, highlighting global influences, virtuosic improvisation, and cross-cultural dialogue.

>>> This event will take place at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, a landmark building on Central Park West.