James McGowan Ensemble’s “Reaching In”

12/04/2023

[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts music review of James McGowan Ensemble’s album “Reaching In.”

This 16-track album “Reaching In” from the Ottawa-based James McGowan Ensemble is a revelation in musical storytelling. The first part of a two-album project, “Reaching In” is a sometimes theatrical, sometimes jazzy, sometimes classical jaunt through the composer’s mind.

It’s as if all his musical history, whatever he heard, loved or was moved by was drawn from. Each track a postcard of soulful reinvention, inspiration and reimagining.

Every artist is touched by other art. It’s what gives them the permission they need to be themselves. Creators soak up everything. Paintings, sculptures, architecture, fashion, literature, music, nature. Everything, and in this music you can hear that reformed.

A NoHo Arts music review of James McGowan Ensemble’s album “Reaching In.”

“Reaching In” is an extraordinary album. A collection of meaningful and purposeful, truthful and emotional commentaries on a life.

As the tracks flow from one gorgeous moment to the next it’s hard to not get caught up in the drama of it. The journey feels visceral, the landscape of the music cinematic and yet still subtle and moving.

Even as the magical musicians reach out into the universe with their beautiful tones, the music feels intimate. It’s as if every note played is only for you, even as it rises and falls through a myriad of emotions and virtuosic celebrations.

I cannot recommend this truly wonderful album enough. I was totally blown away by the imaginative and concept-bending blend of classical, jazz and everything in between. The poetry, the arrangements spiraling and rising and falling. A reflection of the universe and our place within it. Just astonishing…a joyful and brilliant gift.

Composer James McGowan is a pianist, composer, producer, and an award-winning faculty member in Carleton University’s music program.