ABOUT

Curt Garey is a musician who has traveled far and wide performing and teaching. He is known for his versatility and for serving the music by providing just the right feel on the drums. Before moving back to his home state of Kansas in 2019, he actively circulated throughout New York City's eclectic music scene from 2006-2018. He’s had the privilege of sharing the stage with Brian Newman, Matt Wilson, Junior Mance, Andrew Gould, Ratzo Harris, Marcus Mclaurine, Andrew D'Angelo, Jeff Lederer, Eli Bolin, Peter Maness, Nick Palumbo, Tim Price, and Daisy Jopling. Before moving to New York, he attended The University of North Texas where he studied with Ed Soph, earned a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies, and grew exponentially through much musical experimentation with fellow students Tom Luer, Michael League, Bob Lanzetti, Lily Maase, Mike Maher, and Brad Williams. Before that, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Percussion at Wichita State University under the guidance of Dr. J.C. Combs.

He has performed in many of NYC's top music venues: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, Brooklyn Bowl, The Iridium, The Knitting Factory, Jazz at Kitano, Rockwood Music Hall, Rose Bar, Roulette, Barbes, Joe's Pub, The Metropolitan Room, and 54 Below. He has toured in Europe, Mexico, China, and the U.S.A., with his first road experience being the 1999 national tour of The King And I.

Some notable recordings include The Suite Unraveling's self-titled album on John Zorn's Tzadik label, as well as Lloyd H. Miller's Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!

Curt loves passing along what he has learned about music and the art of drumming. He has held adjunct positions at Hutchinson Community College and Central Christian College of Kansas; he has been a guest clinician at University of North Texas, Ithaca College, Texas A&M, and the University of New Mexico. He also teaches privately.

QUOTES:

"Yeah, man! You played you butt off!" - Albert "Tootie" Heath

"(Curt) swings, plays sensitively, is incredibly creative, musical and resourceful, produces a wonderful sound, is a brave improvisor." - Matt Wilson