Reaching Out

James McGowan Ensemble

Reaching Out is the conclusion of an extended story that began with the 2023 album Reaching In. Told through music, spoken-word program notes and visual art, this two-album project is in six acts, where each song in the Read more

Reaching Out is the conclusion of an extended story that began with the 2023 album Reaching In. Told through music, spoken-word program notes and visual art, this two-album project is in six acts, where each song in the suite is a scene in the story. This album continues the protagonist’s journey of healing through loss, to finding peace, acceptance, belonging and a sense of community. The different instruments of the ensemble generally represent large ideas. Piano—the thoughts of the protagonist; Strings—the emotions of the protagonist; Horn section—the engagement with others and the community; Rhythm section—the protagonist's heartbeat, energy and well-being; with each instrument also having a voice in telling the story. This multi-movement suite is composed and performed as a fusion of jazz and classical styles, featuring powerful musical expression, recurring themes and pervasive musical motifs. “The work is at times theatrical in its parts, sometimes classical, sometimes jazz-inspired, but undoubtedly a grand and beautiful artistic creation.” Paris-Move

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