Eric McGarry
Guitarist. Composer. Educator.
As I Am, As You Were
Debut album by Eric McGarry
1/27/2023
Stream/Purchase Album Here
As I wrote and performed these pieces over the last few years, I was often looking for inspiration in the natural world, my own personal relationships, and my thoughts on authenticity and identity. Within each of these influences, I found myself reflecting on the nature of change. As a result, these compositions naturally complement each other, communicating the feelings on change I’ve observed within myself and the world around me. I am very excited to share this music and display this chapter of my life.
-Eric McGarry
Since moving to Philadelphia, Eric McGarry has become an in demand guitarist and composer. McGarry received his Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts, where he previously earned a Bachelor’s in Guitar Performance with Honors. There he studied with prominent guitarists Dave Allen, Matt Davis, Tim Motzer, Kevin Hanson, Mike Kennedy, and Ben O’Neill.
In 2019, McGarry participated in the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency, a selective program reserved for fifteen of the nations finest collegiate musicians. In 2022 McGarry was selected for Jazz Philadelphia's Core Cooperative, an entrepreneurship and wellness program focused on nurturing the Philadelphia jazz scene.
McGarry’s main creative project, the Eric McGarry Quintet focuses on performing his original compositions. They can be found regularly at venues like Chris’ Jazz Cafe, where McGarry hosted the weekly Friday night jam sessions in 2022. McGarry has also been a featured artist at the Philadelphia Free Library, and at Wilmington’s Clifford Brown Year Round: New, Creative, and Fresh. McGarry released his debut album, “As I Am, As You Were” on 1/27/2023. The record was met with positive reviews, earning a 4 out 5 stars from All about Jazz, and was played on local radio stations.
Outside of his own project, McGarry can be found performing with singer-songwriter Julia Pratt. As Pratt’s lead guitarist, he has played renowned venues such as the Fillmore Philly, The 9:30 Club, and World Cafe Live, as well as major festivals including Wxpn’s Xponential, and Iron Blossom. McGarry can also be heard on Pratt’s most recent release, “Family Feud,” released by RECORDS (Sony Entertainment Group).
Featuring:
Mervin Toussaint
Micah Graves
Pete Dennis
Steven Perry
Recorded at Turtle Studios
Produced by Ross Bellenoit and Eric McGarry
Recorded and Mixed by Sean Svadlenak
Mastered by Doug Raus
Artwork by Tony DiGiugno
The new record from Eric McGarry has a highly developed vision in both sound and composition. Each piece feels like a chapter in a novel that has something to say about the nature of change. There are great performances from everyone involved, which results in a cohesive - sounds like a real band - kind of consistency. Eric is a thoughtful player and composer who is not afraid to leave space. The arrangements are not rushed and allow for a kind of lyricism that is song-like, while still being rhythmically and harmonically sophisticated. Overall, this is a refreshing addition to the modern jazz library and I look forward to hearing this artist's future projects.
-Dave Allen (Guitarist & Composer)
When the opportunity came to help bring Eric McGarry’s beautiful music into a fully realized piece of magic, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity… Eric’s compositions, and the way he presents them, are beautiful snapshots of light and shade. They are lyrical. They are poetic. They are daring. They are the perfect avenue for Eric to allow his musical voice to sing. Mervin Toussaint, Micah Graves, Steven Perry, and Pete Dennis all support his vision in a mellifluent and democratic way, allowing their own voices to shine through at just the right moments. I’ve been a listener all my life; …It’s records like this that remind me to keep on listening.
-Ross Bellenoit (Producer, Guitarist, Songwriter, & Composer)