The James McGowan Ensemble move boldly beyond the boundaries of jazz, classical and spoken-word with their superb sophisticated new hybrid album Reaching Out — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Following up their successful fusion album Reaching In in 2023, the 13-piece jazz/classical spectacular that is the James McGowan Ensemble has just released their complementary album, aptly titled Reaching Out. Ostensibly comprised of three prolific quartets including Ottawa’s Modasaurus (of which McGowan is also a part), Quatuor Despax from Quebec and Four Of Horns — featuring Ottawa Jazz Festival Artistic Director Petr Cancura, Mike Tremblay on tenor and soprano saxes, Mark Ferguson on trombone and Juno winner Ed Lister on trumpet — this ensemble are known for their big sound and nuanced composition.
In addition to being a highly personal album which continues the sentiment and big emotions of Reaching In, Reaching Out once again features spoken-word poems performed by former Ottawa Poet Laureate Jamaal Amir Akbari, adding an extra layer of emotion and authenticity to the work.
“Reaching Out tells my story through words and music of moving past grief to find strength in community,” says Akbari. “I truly think that everyone will be able to relate to it and find personal resonance in this journey.”
The title track is a microcosm of that journey and of the album’s concept, as the ensemble takes each listener through the phases and emotions of grief and healing. The Imagine series of songs featuring Akbari’s words continue in Reaching Out and are particular highlights on the 17-track mega-album — along with the overture track, where McGowan declares his Personal Credo, the sax-soloed Elegy and the contemplative tribute to fusion legend Chick Corea, Corean Poultry. Varied and melodic, Reaching Out is more raw than its earlier relative, but nonetheless soulful and emotive.
McGowan is a pianist, composer, producer, and educator at home in classical, jazz, and improvised styles. He is an award-winning faculty member in Carleton University’s music program, and performs regularly in Ottawa and beyond. In September 2020, his jazz-fusion quartet Modasaurus released its critically acclaimed sophomore album 4K, after its debut album Two Intents released in 2017. In 2022, he was awarded a Concept to Realization grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to create Reaching In and Reaching Out, his fifth and sixth albums as leader/co-leader.
Quatuor Despax consists of violinists Cendrine Despax and Jean Despax, violist Maxime Despax and cellist Valérie Despax. Formed in 2003 by four brothers and sisters, they perform regularly around Ottawa-Gatineau. They have also performed in festivals and concert series across Canada and internationally, including France, Italy and Colombia. Some tracks also feature violist Olivier Philippe-Auguste and cellist Cal McGowan.
Listen to Reaching Out above, hear more from the James McGowan Ensemble below, and join them on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
