Collected Strands is an improvising chamber music ensemble composed of four fantastic musicians expressing sounds ranging from contemporary modal grooves to classical, folk, experimental, and ambient music. Volume 1 is the first of a set of recordings that capture the spontaneity and diversity of the quartet's musical creativity. The ensemble features Raphael Weinroth-Browne on cello, Leah Roseman on violin, James McGowan on piano, and Mike Essoudry on drums.

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

Reaching In is the first half of an extended story told through music, spoken-word program notes and visual art. It depicts a protagonist's journey from struggles of isolation, low self-worth, social anxiety, addiction and loss, to finding peace, acceptance, belonging, and a sense of community. This multi-movement suite by composer and pianist James McGowan is created and performed in a fusion of classical and jazz styles, with other influences of free improvisation, hip hop and latin styles. Combining the Modasaurus jazz-fusion quartet with Despax string quartet at its core, several tunes also feature an enhanced ensemble with Petr Cancura and Mike Tremblay on tenor sax, Ed Lister on trumpet, and Mark Ferguson on trombone.

Using powerful musical expression, tonal interconnections, recurring themes and several pervasive musical motifs, the 16-movement concept album conveys deep feelings and extra-musical meaning. Guided by the composer’s poetry, the omnipresent instrumental musical motifs acquire intentional signification as the pieces unfold. Like a soundtrack to an imaginary film, the music itself is a narrative voice. It invites the listening audience to experience the emotional richness of life even more fully through one’s own imagination and personal reflection. The CD cover/digital album art depicting An Nguyen’s painting of Reaching In, also contributes a visual dimension that adds meaningful metaphors to the overarching narrative. The poetry, art and music take us through a story of overcoming personal challenges to offer an uncertain, yet hopeful future. The album seeks to engage the listener with their mind, heart and soul.

Modasaurus - 4K (September 25, 2020)

The jazz-fusion quartet Modasaurus formed in early 2016 when Carleton University professor, pianist and composer James McGowan joined together with the HML trio: Jamie Holmes, Alex Moxon, Jean- Philippe (JP) Lapensée, some of the busiest musicians and educators in Ottawa, Canada.

With the name “Modasaurus,” they combine the fun yet imposing dinosaur name with “mode,” which is crucial to jazz-fusion music in its rich tonalities and sonic palettes. A second meaning - that of a style or fashion - is relevant here as well: the Modasaurus sound is a fusion of a wide range of styles, such as the Celtic-jazz fusion in “Crazy Ceilidh” and Middle- Eastern jazz in “Khaleegy.” “Hey Bud!” and “Seen my Jawa?” are Rhumba- and Samba-inspired, while “Chaconne and Fugue” integrates classical form and technique with jazz and rock styles. Completing the album are two pieces that inspired the graphic design for this album, the jazz waltz “Winding Way” and “The Four Kids” (4K), which set the playful tone of the album.

The pieces feature considerable interaction among the four musicians, both in the album’s through composed passages and more highly improvisatory sections. These performances are collaborative and engaging, written to be enjoyed in the moment, while still encouraging repeated critical listening.