A native of Mexico, Garcia emerges as an almost flawless vocalist. His turns on Cole Porter's "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Night and Day" to reveal an impressive talent well executed in the music. His voice is powerful and precise and is best cast in the standards "Besame Mucho" and the Mexican "Sabor a mi," on which the singer plays more than competent guitar. Backed by a standard piano trio, Garcia is rightfully given plenty of room to share his expansive voice. "You Go To My Head," "Sabor a M," and "This Could Be The Start of Something Big" all provide a perfect coda to a well-paced concert of standards.

~C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz – Full Review…Click Here

 

From romantic ballads to swinging classics and Latin serenades, Songs for a Lifetime goes through a gamut of styles, each harmonious and tailored to Garcia's vocal specifications. Garcia's interpretations of these timeless songs keep them memorable and poised to make Jose Garcia into the modern generation's next crooner.

~Susan Frances, Yahoo! – Full Review…Click Here

 

Songs for a Lifetime – Live (José Garcia Music ) is his first recording in this vein, and he hits the ball out of the park.  His robust vocalizing has hints of Buddy Greco and Frank D’Rone, two fine stylists.  Like D’Rone, he plays along on guitar, and is joined for the album by Carlos Rodgarman on piano, Mike Paganini on bass and Pablo Correa on drums.  The set was recorded at the New York Club in Palm Desert.  Garcia has a strong, pleasant baritone voice, and nice feel for phrasing.  When he opens with “I Get a Kick Out of You,” you will get a kick out of him.  After eight more fine selections, he gets to the closer, “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” and I have a feeling that this could be a prophetic title for an exciting new addition to the world of jazz/pop singers.

~Joseph Lang, Jersey Jazz - Full Review…Click Here

 

An old school crooner that entered class long after the old school graduated, Garcia, a singing guitarist leads a swinging combo on the old faves.  Loaded with war horse standards from the classic songbook.  A sweet adult listening date that has a solid you-are-there feel which really helps it get it’s point across.  Fun stuff.

~Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap Volume 35/Number 96

 

There are not too many male singers in jazz today that can claim the mantle of "crooner," but Garcia is clearly one of them. A gifted singer with remarkable skills on the guitar, Garcia clearly possesses the firm foundation to establish a name for himself, and his auspicious debut, Songs For a Lifetime, Live, is convincing proof.

~Edward Blanco, All About Jazz - Full Review…Click Here

 

Garcia's vocals are perhaps best described as a delightful mix of Mel Torme and Tony Bennett but Garcia is far from a good vocalist doing some passable covers. Jose Garcia is an artist with passion and clearly displays the gift of connection with an audience.  Jose Garcia has that cool tone to his vocals, the innate ability to swing and impeccable phrasing.

~Brent Black, Critical Jazz - Full Review…Click Here

 

There are a whole host of mem’ries that go with listening to Jose’s crooning session on this CD.  The opener, “I Get A Kick Out Of You” feels a lot like those old Andy Williams TV hours I used to watch every week… it’s clear that (like those gents in the old days) Jose loves singing & giving of himself to those in the audience.  The guitar backing on “I Wish You Love” is nicely paced, & Jose tells the story just as well as some of those gents (like Perry Como) I mentioned above.  The whole point of music like this (for listeners like me, anyway) is to get the listener in the groove that allows them to forget the troubles they’ve got in their kit bag, & Garcia does a fine job of that, no doubt.  I give him a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for these 10 silk-smooth tunes.  “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.96. 

~Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

 

José is a cabaret-style singer with a strong projected voice. He also plays guitar with his small ensemble: Carlos Rodgarman (p), Mike Paganini (b) and Pablo Correa (d). They play ten standards highlighted by "Besame Mucho" and "I Wish You Love" with García shining on both guitar and vocals. It is a good live set.

~D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Magazine