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Donny McCaslin

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album.

“It was like a dream except it was something I never could have dreamed of,” reflects McCaslin on working hand-in-hand with Bowie on Blackstar. “David Bowie was a visionary artist whose generosity, creative spirit, and fearlessness will stay with me the rest of my days. Beyond Now is dedicated to him and to all who loved him.”

Comprised of core Blackstar personnel, bassist Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Saturday Night Live), drummer Mark Guiliana (Meshell Ndegeocello, Brad Mehldau), and Jason Lindner (Now Vs Now) along with guitarist Nate Wood and producer David Binney, Beyond Now‘s repertoire is expansive, comprised of two Bowie songs, covers of Deadmau5, MUTEMATH, and the Chainsmokers, as well as compelling McCaslin originals including the title composition, inspired by a track inspired by a song McCaslin recorded for Blackstar that didn’t make the album.

Today, Entertainment Weekly premiered Beyond Now‘s first single, “A Small Plot of Land,” a cover from Bowie’s 1995 release Outside (featuring vocalist Jeff Taylor). The album pre-order has launched today as well on iTunes; fans will receive “A Small Plot of Land” instantly when pre-ordering a download of the album. McCaslin has also announced extensive touring in the US and Europe through the remainder of the year. See below for a list of U.S. tour dates, including upcoming appearances at the Newport Jazz Festival, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! and The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

With three GRAMMY nominations and 11 albums to his name, McCaslin’s path to Bowie and Beyond Now can be traced back to 2011 with the release of his album Perpetual Motion, taking on an electric direction for the first time in contrast to his previous acoustic projects. Two subsequent albums Casting for Gravity (2012) and Fast Future (2015) released with his working band were directly influenced by electronica artists (covering groups such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Baths), which netted McCaslin a 2013 GRAMMY nomination for “Best Improvised Jazz Solo.”

The once in a lifetime opportunity to work with David Bowie came after composer Maria Schneider, a longtime collaborator, recommended McCaslin and his group to Bowie. Schneider and Bowie were collaborating on the track “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime),” which featured McCaslin as a soloist. In June 2014, Bowie heeded Schneider’s advice and made a visit to hear McCaslin and company at the 55 Bar in Greenwich Village. Soon after, Bowie began corresponding with McCaslin over email and sending music, forming a new collaboration and friendship that transpired through the recording of Blackstar until Bowie’s passing. The result is Beyond Now, which documents “David Bowie’s Last Band” as they were processing both their grief and Bowie’s distinctive impact.

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Album Review

Ross McHenry: Waves

Read "Waves" reviewed by Nenad Georgievski


One of the reasons jazz is so intriguing is its wide range of styles and unpredictability. It has always been tricky to define. It is a genre that is constantly evolving, picking up influences along the way, and adapting in ways that can blur the lines between styles. While the term jazz often suggests something hard to pin down, labels can provide a useful way to describe the key features of a particular release. Packed with unpredictable forms, formats, rhythms ...

17
Album Review

Andy Ezrin: I Was Here

Read "I Was Here" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Pianist Andy Ezrin should be heard more often, and by a far wider audience. Like all commanders of the keyboard, he can make his chosen instrument sing, sigh, sway or soar, as he does the Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 organ whenever he so chooses. On I Was Here, Ezrin doubles as composer, performing thirteen of his charming compositions in groups ranging from trio to quintet before playing the last one, “Cascades," alone. Saxophonist Donny McCaslin sits ...

1
Radio & Podcasts

Donny McCaslin, Kira Linn, Meshell Ndegeocello, Alexander Claffy & More

Read "Donny McCaslin, Kira Linn, Meshell Ndegeocello, Alexander Claffy & More" reviewed by Ludovico Granvassu


This week's playlist features two recent albums by, or featuring, Donny McCaslin. Also, a new record by German baritonist Kara Linn plus a score of forward looking bass players and leaders, from Meshell Ndegeocello to Linda May Han Oh, Ben Wolfe and Philly natives Christian McBride and Alexander Claffy.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Meshell Ndegeocello “Clear Water" The Omnichord Real Book (Blue Note) 0:16 Host talks 4:50 ...

2
Live Review

Fano Jazz by the Sea 2023

Read "Fano Jazz by the Sea 2023" reviewed by Libero Farnè


Fano Jazz by the Sea 2023 Varie sedi Fano 22--30.7.2023 Partecipare a un festival di prestigio storico non significa soltanto ascoltare una serie più o meno coerente di concerti. Equivale anche ad immergersi in un'atmosfera cangiante ed unica, vuole dire vivere una situazione di incontro, in cui si dialoga con le persone del luogo, con gli amici, gli addetti ai lavori, i musicisti, nonché entrare in contatto con la città, con la ...

6
Album Review

Donny McCaslin: I Want More

Read "I Want More" reviewed by Nenad Georgievski


Donny McCaslin's album, I Want More, is a captivating and boundary-breaking release which highlights the saxophonist composer's innovative musical approach. Building on his previous collaborations and experiences, McCaslin ventures into uncharted territory by seamlessly fusing elements of electronica, post-rock, jazz, and improv. The result is a genre-defying sound which pushes the boundaries, and showcases McCaslin's prowess in creating a dynamic and studio-driven sonic experience. Drawing inspiration from contemporary electronic music, this album introduces new listeners to the captivating world of ...

2
In Pictures

Donny McCaslin 4th at Asioli Theatre at Correggio Jazz 2023

Read "Donny McCaslin 4th at Asioli Theatre at Correggio Jazz 2023" reviewed by Danilo Codazzi


A collection of photos from the Donny McCaslin 4th concert at Asioli Theatre at the Correggio Jazz Festival on May 20, 2023 featuring Donny McCaslin, Jason Lindner, Jonathan Maron and Zach Danziger. ...

8
Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by David A. Orthmann


Bassist Boris Kozlov, pianist Art Hirahara and drummer Rudy Royston often operate as the rhythm section on sessions for the venerable Posi-Tone Records imprint. Regardless of the leader they are serving, they deliver a coherent foundation and frequently extend themselves beyond the parameters of a conservative, strictly supportive role. In short, it is never predictable what they—collectively and individually—will do next, yet the wheels never fall off, and the music is the better for their dazzling, spontaneous flights. Some of ...

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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album. “It was like a dream except it was something I ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album. “It was like a dream except it was something I ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album. “It was like a dream except it was something I ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album... Read more.

Place our Musician of the Day widget on ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album... Read more.

Place our Musician of the Day widget on ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his band, featured on David Bowie‘s Blackstar, will make their Motéma Music debut with the October 14 release of Beyond Now, a highly anticipated album dedicated to Bowie. Recorded nearly three months after Bowie’s passing, the project is deeply influenced by their extraordinary experience collaborating with one of the greatest artists of all-time on his final album... Read more.

Place our Musician of the Day widget on ...

Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Donny McCaslin goes "Beyond Now"

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Donny McCaslin goes "Beyond Now"

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week, StLJN's video spotlight shines on saxophonist Donny McCaslin, who's coming to St. Louis to perform starting Wednesday, October 19 through Saturday, October 22 at Jazz at the Bistro. McCaslin has been in the news quite a bit this year, thanks to the work he and his band- Tim Lefebvre on bass, Jason Lindner on keyboards, and Mark Guiliana on drums- did on the late David Bowie's final album Blackstar. While this may have been the first time a ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today!

Donny McCaslin launched 2004 with a new CD, balancing his career as bandleader with work as one of New York\'s most in- demand tenor saxophonists. On his latest Arabesque releae, The Way Through, the Brooklyn-based artist continues to defy label, proving he can unearth musical truth in any medium. “The album goes in a lot of different directions, but there\'s a line that goes through it for me," Donny says of ...

1

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today! Donny McCaslin launched 2004 with a new CD, balancing his career as bandleader with work as one of New York\'s most in-demand tenor saxophonists. On his latest Arabesque releae, The Way Through, the Brooklyn-based artist continues to defy label, proving he can unearth musical truth in any medium. “The album goes in a lot of different directions, but there\'s a line that goes through it for me," Donny says of his ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Jazz Musician of the Day: Donny McCaslin

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Donny McCaslin's birthday today! Donny McCaslin launched 2004 with a new CD, balancing his career as bandleader with work as one of New York\'s most in-demand tenor saxophonists. On his latest Arabesque releae, The Way Through, the Brooklyn-based artist continues to defy label, proving he can unearth musical truth in any medium. “The album goes in a lot of different directions, but there\'s a line that goes through it for me," Donny says of his ...

“Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie” –The Nation

Glenn White
saxophone
David Bernot
saxophone, tenor
City of Four
band / ensemble / orchestra
Bonzo Squad
band / ensemble / orchestra

Photos

Concerts

Dec 14 Sat

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

I Was Here

Self Produced
2024

buy

Songs My Mom Liked

Origin Records
2024

buy

Waves

Self Produced
2024

buy

Waves

Earshift Music
2024

buy

Identity

Self Produced
2023

buy

Best of Tobin...

ArtsForge
2023

buy

Praise

From: Songs My Mom Liked
By Donny McCaslin

Anxiety

From: Identity
By Donny McCaslin

Contemporary Insanity

From: Best of Tobin Mueller, Vol. 3:...
By Donny McCaslin

Low Hanging Fruit

From: The Garden
By Donny McCaslin

Rush Hour

From: Tales of Time
By Donny McCaslin

Videos

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