David Garfield
We are pleased to premiere the single “Layla,” an exciting new arrangement of the Eric Clapton classic done in contemporary Salsa fashion by the renowned keyboardist/composer David Garfield from his upcoming album I Am The Cat, set to release May 11, 2021.
The highly acclaimed and multi-talented keyboardist, composer, arranger, songwriter and recording artist David Garfield has recorded with Boz Scaggs, Smokey Robinson, Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather, George Benson, Spinal Tap, Cher, The Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole and more. He is the founding member of Los Angeles based contemporary world jazz, Karizma and Los Lobotomys. Garfield is musical director and composer of commissioned themes for global organizations.
David says, “I always loved this song growing up when it was brand new (the original Derek & The Dominos version). Over the years I heard some old salsa arrangements out of New York with a similar line (guitar) done by the trumpets and got the idea to do this salsa arrangement with John Peña who grew up in the New York salsa scene. Trumpets & trombones only – no saxes!”
Dynamic and musically exquisite, we proudly premiere this single because the musicianship and arrangement simply knocked us out. The piano played by Garfield is stunning, beautiful. The horn section simply couldn’t be any better, and the entire ensemble of musicians perform this iconic song in breathtaking fashion. And the rhythm, a true delight.
Featuring drum legend Gregg Bissonette and bassist John Peña, famed guitarists Michael Landau and Mike Miller, iconic Cuban musicians Luis Conté and Michito Sanchez on percussion, Ramon Flores and Harry Kim on trumpets (Vine St. Horns) and Bob McChesney and Arturo Velasco on trombones. The track was recorded at Chick Corea’s Madhatter Studios.
Photo: David Palmer
In addition to his work with George Benson, Garfield works with numerous musical legends, including David Sanborn and Michael McDonald. Over the years, he has recorded with Cher, Freddie Hubbard, Spinal Tap, The Rippingtons, Ratt, Larry Carlton and Hiroshima; produced for Oleta Adams and Flora Purim; and has performed live with Boz Scaggs, Michael Bolton, The Blues Brothers, Natalie Cole, Brenda Russell and Rick Braun, among others.
As the owner of the independent label Creatchy Records, David Garfield has produced numerous solo recordings and projects for many other artists. His first international release on Creatchy, 1997’s Tribute To Jeff, was dedicated to the late drummer Jeff Porcaro (a longtime friend) and featured contributions by superstars Don Henley, Eddie Van Halen, Michael McDonald, Richard Marx and many others.
Featuring many of Los Angeles’ top session and touring musicians, Karizma’s discography on Creatchy includes Dream Come True, Cuba, All The Way Live, Forever in the Arms of Love, Document and Lost and Found. The other projects he has helmed for Creatchy include albums by guitarists Michael Landau and Michael O’Neill, saxophonists Brandon Fields and Larry Klimas and former Toto bassist Mike Porcaro. Another classic Creatchy release, Los Lobotomys, is a collaboration with prominent members of the pop band Toto, with whom Garfield has performed many times throughout the years.
Cover art and photo: David Palmer (Steely Dan)
David Garfield Online
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