Multi-dimensional is a good word to describe the depth of Garey’s musicianship. Few drummers have the appetite, abilities or knowledge to be as musically versatile as Garey is. Garey has played the drums for over 40 years and has performed with such jazz greats as Diana Krall, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Eddie Daniels, Barney McClure, Howard Roberts and others. Garey has also performed with many local jazz artist and big bands including The Jazz Police, The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Roadside Attraction and recorded with the Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra and the Full Circle Jazz Ensemble.
As an educator, Garey has been teaching over 35 years, gone through over 100 drum method books, videos and/or instructional DVDs, attended over 50 drum clinics, studied with some of the worlds greatest drummers and amassed countless hours of performing and Recording time as both a band leader and sideman. He received his Masters of Music degree in Percussion Performance & Jazz Studies from Central Washington University in 1993.
In 2001 he re-formed Ecstasy In Numbers with guitarist Mike Mattingly and bassist Rick White. The band became a hit on the underground scene and for three years have toured and performed in Seattle and the Northwest to standing-room-only crowds. The bands progressive-jazz/rock sound has been gaining the attention of clubs and promoters, as well as the ears of a small but growing European fan base. Garey has been reviewed and published in Modern Drummer, Rhythm Magazine, Percussive Notes and numerous regional and local newspapers.
Percussive Notes said: “Williams sounds like a combination of Vinnie Colaiuta and Peter Erskine through his careful attention to the orchestration of each section of the tune. His relaxed, flowing style suits the music, yet he is always pushing the other players to new heights.”
Dom Famularo says: “I listened to the CD. I am very impressed with everything! You’re playing was first class – creative, musical and inspired. This is ‘Art’… and this is a wonderful contribution to the music industry. It sets a high standard and a clear vision of what to strive for!”
Modern Drummer said: “Garey Williams displays a beautiful touch and emotion in his drumming [Ecstasy In Numbers, Spellbound]. He performs with a strong technique and a keen sense of what to play in a studio situation to achieve the correct balance within a jazz/rock trio setting. His drums sound fat, wet, and well recorded. His cymbal work is very expressive… possesses noteworthy chops…” Also: There is not a standout track on the CD, They are ALL outstanding.”
John Riley says: “I’ve just listened to your CD [Ecstasy In Numbers, The Search] and you sound great in the trio, congrats.”
Rhythm Magazine said: “Garey plays with an attentive spark much the way Chad Wackerman did with Allan Holdsworth.”
Jim Chapin says: “It’s great to experience your great talent. Your technique is terrific. You’re extraordinary. Really, really absolutely terrific…your playing is sensational.”
Gregg Bissonette says: “I think you gave a really good clinic and got your points across well. Most of all…your playing is wonderful and I was really digging it!!”
Garey endorses and conducts clinics for Ludwig drums, Paiste cymbals, Innovative Percussion sticks, Remo drumheads and Latin Percussion, and is the author of The Hi-Hat Foot and Drummer’s Guide to Big Band published by Wizdom Media.