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 the compliment album, aptly titled Reaching Out. Ostensibly comprised of three prolific quartets including Ottowa-based 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 the JUNO-award winning Ed Lister on trumpet, this ensemble is known for its 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-based English 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. 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 with Amir Akbari’s spoken word compositions are continued 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.