The James McGowan Ensemble, a distinguished 13-piece collective comprising two quartets and accomplished solo artists, including the renowned pianist and director, James McGowan, presents an introspective and profoundly personal musical journey titled Reaching In.
Originating from Ottawa, Ontario, each member, prominent in their own right, was assembled by McGowan to collaboratively craft an album that seamlessly merges classical and jazz genres. The Modasaurus jazz-fusion quartet and the Despax string quartet form the core, giving birth to the conceptualization of “Reaching In.”
Reaching In is more than an album; it’s a musical odyssey echoing the internal struggles and personal growth of its creator. James McGowan articulates the motivation behind this concept album, aiming to share his journey of self-discovery, healing, and the pursuit of inner peace with the listener.
The 16-track composition, each named after a personal struggle, unfolds a narrative that progresses with the evolving emotions. From the poignant “Internal Conflict” to the ethereal “Acceptance” and the empowering “Time to Rise,” the album encapsulates a spectrum of emotions through meticulously composed music.
Blending classical and jazz styles, the album is a seamless convergence of musical genres. The intentional juxtaposition of classical and jazz elements in some pieces signifies acceptance of disparate sides of one’s personality, while others fuse these elements to work together harmoniously.
The album uses over ten motifs and short themes, each with extra-musical meaning, serving as building blocks across multiple tunes. The Shostakovich- and Bach-inspired fugue in “Through my Tears I Cry” and references to the B-A-C-H motif add depth and complexity to the musical composition.
Composed in the form of a 16-movement suite largely based around the key of E minor, the descending and rising semitones symbolize sadness and hope, creating a dynamic and emotionally charged listening experience.
The album’s narrative is outlined in the three parts of the song-poem “Imagine,” dividing the album into three sections. Originally created as spoken-word program notes, “Imagine” integrates song titles into the poem, offering a unique and immersive storytelling experience.
Rehearsals, concert performances, and recording sessions were made possible in part because of winning a Concept-to-Realization grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.
The first of a two-part series, “Reaching In” serves as a precursor to the upcoming release, “Reaching Out,” scheduled for 2024. The continuation promises to delve deeper into the narrative, building on the themes established in Reaching In.
Incorporating poetry, art, and music, “Reaching In” invites listeners to experience the emotional richness of life through their own imagination and personal reflection. The album seeks to engage the audience with their mind, heart, and soul, offering a compelling and transformative musical experience.
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