For those not in the know, Daniel Garbin, an associate professor with the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Queensborough Community College of the City University of New York, is also a multifaceted musician.

His journey from an early love of geometry and number theory to a profound fascination with the guitar, music theory, and the intricate relationship between the physical instrument and the theory of music has been nothing short of remarkable.

Born in Baia Mare, Romania, his musical odyssey began at the Students’ Club under the guidance of Professor Bertok, subsequently becoming a founding member of the jazz ensemble at the Baia Mare Art High School, under the tutelage of Professor Pauliuc.

Upon the suggestion of musician Calin Ionce, Daniel’s musical journey continued in Cluj-Napoca with the Big Band Gaio under the guidance of Professor Stefan Vannai. He also lent his exceptional guitar skills to a jazz quintet during his tenure at the Students’ Culture House.

Daniel performed alongside the Gaio Big Band and the quintet at the 1998 edition of the NAPOCENSIS International Jazz Festival, impressing audiences with his exceptional musical talent.

The United States beckoned, and Daniel answered the call, joining the band Cabana Rock as their lead guitarist. In this Latin rock ensemble, he brought a unique blend of influences from jazz, progressive rock, and Romanian folklore, enriching the group’s Cuban-Puerto Rican-American fusion. Cabana Rock’s performances took them to diverse venues, including the South Street Seaport, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Pace University, Finally Fred’s, La Cueva del Rock Club, and numerous street festivals.

Daniel’s journey continued as he became a key member of INOAN, a jazz fusion group that performed at Waltz Astoria and recorded a string of timeless jazz standards. His dedication to the art of music led him to create his own renditions of compositions by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, showcasing his technical prowess and deep musical understanding.

The allure of Indian Classical Music captured Daniel’s heart, and he immersed himself in the traditions of the sitar and raga interpretations. His ongoing study of this mesmerizing genre continues to shape his musical journey.

Guitarist Daniel Garbin combines strong melodies with vibrant solos o his wide-ranging new jazz album Rising out March 10th, 2025 via 6x20 Records. Utilizing a top-notch quintet, Garbin performs seven originals that contain plenty of variety along with infectious grooves.

1. Rising
2. Simi’s Bossa
3. Rolling Hills
4. Anomisericordo
5. DSD
6. Almost Forgotten - Like Satch
7. Into The Sunset

This lovingly impassioned, dutifully accomplished new recording opens on free flowing, nay emboldened eponymous track Rising and then brings us the melodious Simi’s Bossa, the beautifully smooth Rolling Hills, and then we are brought forth the stridently rhythmic fare of Anomisericordo, the funky DSD, the music rounding out on the resoundingly flourishing Almost Forgotten - Like Satch, closing on the veritably windswept, cinematically-hued Into The Sunset.

Musicians:
Daniel Garbin - guitar, sitar
Camila Cortina - piano, keys
Scott Litroff - alto saxophone
Eddy Khaimovich - el. and ac. bass
Brian Woodruff - drums

Daniel Garbin Quintet | Rising [Official Video]

Daniel Garbin Quintet | Anomisericordo [Official Video]