Roli Garcia, Jr., is a drummer from Laredo, Texas, with an unusual string of accomplishments to his credit. In just eight years of playing the drums, Roli has jammed with Vinnie Colaiuta’s band, appeared as a guest artist at several NAMM shows, picked up endorsements with drum, cymbal, and stick companies, been featured on the cover of Jazz Educator’s Journal after winning the National Association of Jazz Educator’s Young Talent Award, and appeared at that organization’s convention. Most recently, Roli performed a “drum battle” duet with Louie Bellson at Zildjian Day in Dallas. Not a bad collection of achievements in the career of any player—and more remark able when you consider that Roli Garcia is only ten years old! Roli was born on June 4, 1975, and began playing drums almost immediately. His father, Roli Sr., who is also a drummer, was attending North Texas State University. Fusion was the […]

October 1985 Issue