Donny McCaslin – Beyond Now

Review

Donny McCaslin's 2016 album "Beyond Now" serves as a poignant homage to the legendary David Bowie, reflecting the significant influence of their collaboration on Bowie's "Blackstar." McCaslin fuses jazz with rock, electronica, and ambient music, channeling the innovative spirit of Bowie’s artistic approach. Opening with the dynamic "Shake Loose," the album displays the ensemble's knack for crafting music that is both energetically broad and richly nuanced. McCaslin’s saxophone takes a central role, especially in the atmospheric rendition of Deadmau5's "Coelacanth 1," which artfully blends ambience with melodic beauty, underlining the album’s genre-crossing breadth.

Critics have celebrated "Beyond Now" for its darkly captivating and anthem-like compositions, which, while possibly challenging for jazz purists, affirm McCaslin’s robust evolution in jazz. Noteworthy is the intricate drumming of Mark Guiliana, combined with McCaslin's powerful saxophone and the enveloping synth chords, creating a pioneering and emotionally resonant soundscape. The album not only retains the cohesive band lineup from "Blackstar," enhancing its quality, but also encapsulates Bowie's bold exploratory essence. "Beyond Now" is recognized as a significant milestone in jazz, pushing its boundaries and inviting listeners to experience the future paths of the genre. - Erika