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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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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 ...

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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. ...

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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 ...

Album Review

Michael Leonhart Orchestra: The Normyn Suites

Read "The Normyn Suites" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi


Gli eclettici sviluppi orchestrali di Michael Leonhart, tra maestosi affreschi evocativi e trascinanti momenti rock e soul, tornano a entusiasmarci con questo magistrale The Normyn Suites, dove la poetica della leggerezza convive con scelte di vivo impatto ritmico e timbrico. Le due forti propensioni musicale dell'autore sono ben bilanciate: quella impressionista (che ha caratterizzato opere ammalianti come Lovers di Nels Cline e il suo The Painted Lady Suite) e quella legata alla popular music, maturata nelle collaborazioni con Steely Dan, ...

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Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by Kyle Simpler


Bass players don't always get the recognition they deserve. While it's easy to see their importance in the rhythm section, they aren't always the first instrument that comes to mind when it comes to the spotlight. There are exceptions, of course, and Boris Kozlov definitely fits into this category. His Posi-Tone debut, First Things First, highlights his skills not only as a player, but also as a composer and bandleader as well. Anyone familiar with the Posi-Tone catalog ...

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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 ...

Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: Donny McCaslin, Brian Culbertson, Brand X, James Carter, Sylvaine Hélary's Spring Roll Quartet, and more

Jazz this week: Donny McCaslin, Brian Culbertson, Brand X, James Carter, Sylvaine Hélary's Spring Roll Quartet, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

It's one of the busiest weeks of the year for jazz and creative music in St. Louis, with enough activity and musical variety to test both the stamina and the financial resources of even the most devoted music lovers. There's so much going on that the week defies easy summary, so instead, let's go to the highlights.... Wednesday, October 19 Saxophonist Donny McCaslin makes his St. Louis debut as a bandleader in the first of four nights at Jazz at ...

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 ...

“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

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

I Was Here

Self Produced
2024

buy

Identity

Self Produced
2023

buy

Best of Tobin...

ArtsForge
2023

buy

I Want More

Edition Records
2023

buy

Best of Tobin...

ArtsForge
2023

buy

First Things First

Posi-Tone Records
2022

buy

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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