Picture
an owl prowling the night skies in search of sustenance. First floating on the
up currents with wings stretched to catch every errant breeze, its eyes constantly
searching the ground for its prize. Then diving in a flurry of speed and feathers
to capture its intended prey. And all the while reveling in its harmony with the
rest of creation. Consider this analogy as you contemplate Juan Garcia-Herreros
and his meteoric rise to stardom.
Juan
is best known as The Snow Owl, and his quest is not for food alone. Instead, his
is the search for the perfect groove, the perfect melody, the perfect harmony
and spirituality that infuses music at its best.
The
Snow Owl was born in Bogotá, Columbia. It wasn't until he moved to New
York that he took up flute at age nine. After middle school the family again relocated,
this time to Dunedin, FL, where he discovered the electric bass. Unable to afford
private lessons, he taught himself. He was so passionate in his pursuit that,
at the tender age of 16, he began to teach Music Theory and Jazz performance at
Dunedin High School.
Recognizing
his talent and dedication, Juan's band director encouraged him to study acoustic
bass so he could also perform with the school's symphonic band. Juan became proficient
so quickly that he began performing with the Tampa Bay Symphony at age 17.
Later
The Snow Owl earned a coveted scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of
Music (Boston, MA), where he studied with world-renowned instructors Bruce Gertz,
Joe, Santerre, Rich Appleman, and Oscar Stagnaro. At 21, Juan returned to New
York to pursue his career. He quickly established himself as a true artist, able
to meet the demands of everything from Jazz, Latin and Pop, to Funk, Rock of all
eras, Heavy Metal, even Avante Garde.
Juan
now lives in Vienna, Austria, and has become a major force in the European Jazz
community. In 2006, he was chosen as Best Jazz Artist by Jazz First, while his
debut CD received international acclaim. Just two years later he was installed
as Professor of Electric Bass at prestigious Jazz Institute, in Graz, Austria.
In 2009, The Snow Owl was honored as a Project Exchange ambassador by Austrian
president, Dr. Heinz Fischer.
Thanks
to his deep passion and commitment, Juan has reached incredible heights in a very
short time. His second CD, Art of Contrabass Guitar, promises to propel
this amazing young talent to even greater altitudes as he continues his pursuit
of musical perfection. Like his name sake, The Snow Owl relentlessly pursues his
passion with grace, beauty, and harmony.
The
Snow Owl has relied on David's designs for over a decade. Whether he's playing
Jazz or Metal, or anything in between, Juan relies on David to bring his music
to the world. "David has always been at the heart of my sound," Juan
says, :"and he always will be. And it goes even further, because David and
Lane are family."
