L. A. based keyboardist David Garfield unveils Jazz Outside The Box on March 23. Garfield, the guiding light for the jazz-fusion band Karizma is not one to stand still as he’s and in demand player, and has been musical director for George Benson as well as a solo start in his own right.

Jazz Outside The Box has been a labor of love for Garfield. He has recorded more than 4 CD’s worth of music for the Outside The Box project.  Jazz  Outside The Box follows three singles released in 2017 ( one a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Go Home featuring Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson Jr., “Jamming, another Wonder cover with Mike Campbell and the third,  an original country tune he co-wrote with Smokey Robinson with vocalist J. Paris).

The Sting classic, “Fragile” kicks things off in fine form.  Garfield’s piano centered arrangement is eligant. Touches of percussion by Kevin Ricard, acoustic bass by Carlos del Puerto and move the song along while vocalist Michael McDonald provided an understated charm which is perfectly fitting the song. John Clayton arranged and conducted the string section on this which majestically intertwines with the song.

“In A Sentimental Mood” adds a Latin jazz flavor as percussionist/bandleader Poncho Sanchez adds congas, shakers and his unmistakable flare to help the song simmer. Garfield’s acoustic piano supports the tenor saxophone and trumpet which vibraphone toy with the melody. Garfield production and arranging allow each player to shine but support the song.

Indeed Joe Porcaro and Robbie Wyckoff get the same opportunity. Their interpretation of “Roxanne” defies the expected. Trumpet kicks of the song’s melodic core before the band swings into the familiar tension of the song. Touches of Hammond B-3 support Garfield’s piano. The band is in full swing mode before the backing vocals enter to support the musical bliss. Wyckoff’s lead vocal is perfect as it never attempts to replicate the original and Porcaro’s drums (instead of his usual percussion additions) is always a welcome addition to any song. Carmen Grillo fills out the vocals to make the song even more of a treat.

Bass, piano and guitar dance with each other in “Rainbow Seeker”, a Joe Sample composition. The late Chuck Loeb provides delicate leads as his electric guitar works magic with the melody. Drummer Steve Jordon reminds everyone why he’s some many artists first jazz. Garfield’s piano, Loeb’s guitar and Jordon’s drums conspire to lift the song to the stars.

Joe Porcaro returns on “Stolen Moments” but this time Tom Scott’s tenor is Porcaro’s and Garfield’s playmate. The song’s slow methodical groove is supported by a big band horn chart that flaunts jazz tradition while brining something new to the songs. Again Garfield shows off his arranging chops as tenor sax, alto, baritone weave seemlesly with trombone and trumpet. Scott’s tenor solo smokes as he moves the tempo forward. The horns have a Steely Dan meets Chicago flare with Chuck Findley and Nick lane adding trumpet and trombone respectively. Guitarist Denny Dias makes a surprise and welcome appearance with his fluid runs. By the time Garfield weaves in his acoustic solo you can’t help but realize the song and indeed all of David Garfield’s Jazz- Outside The Box is something special.

“Sophisticated Lady” featured Sanchez again on congas and an understated lead male vocal. Garfield ties in a full horn section but leave solo space for the great Pete Christlieb. Christlieb does not disappoint was his bars of pure jazz delight hover above Sanchez’ conga and Garfield’s piano like angles above the clouds.

Karizma members Michael Landau and Vinnie Colaita make an appearance on “Prophecy”. The song has a fusion feel with and early drum solo by Colaita and nice chucky guitar fills by Landau  and a mid-song solo). Garfield sticks with his acoustic piano as the song builds yet the song seems almost out of place surrounded by the more contemporary jazz selections.

Jason Scheff, long time former bassist of Chicago, provides his considerable jazz chops to “Song for My Father”. His bass is melodic as its dances with Door’s drummer John Densmore’s  laid back rim work. Scheff also takes a turn at the mike, lending his unmistakable tenor to the mix. Original Steely Dan guitarist Denny Dias is also along for the ride. Dias, who appears on Garfield’s “Tribute to Jeff” (Porcaro) album is as tasteful as ever adding even a touch of “Rickie Don’t Lose That Number” to the melody (even if he didn’t play on that Steely Dan song). The song’s samba beat adds another dimension to the album which at 17 songs covers a lot of ground.

Jazz- Outside The Box is a fascinating and often exhilarating look at David Garfield’s vision of straight-ahead jazz. Yet it’s only a tease a Garfield plans 3 more Outside The Box releases covering contemporary jazz, voice and fusion.  If Jazz Outside The Box is any indication, we are in for a treat.