Saxophonist Donny McCaslin has recently come to the attention of many outside the jazz world as the bandleader for David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. He has long been respected in the jazz world, having played professionally since his teen years. Over time, he played with luminaries such as Gary Burton and the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, as well as performing and recording with his own band. His most recent album, Fast Future, has been describes as “Jazz meets EDM.” He comes to town for a concert at the Clifton Center on Friday, February 12, joining local luminaries Craig Wagner (guitar), Chris Fitzgerald (bass), and Mike Hyman (drums). McCaslin was kind enough to reply to Louisville Music News’ e-mail inquirm and it turns out he and Hyman have known one another for years. We
ll let McCaslin pick up from here:

"I remember listening to Mike Hyman as a teenager in California when Mike lived in San Francisco. The great bassist Larry Grenadier would play me bootleg tapes of gigs he did with Mike and Joe Henderson, who's one of my main heroes of the Tenor Saxophone. A few years later in college at Berklee School of Music, I joined Gary Burton's quintet and would listen to recordings Mike did during his tenure in the band. I had a few chances to play with him in New York City and am looking forward the chance to play again Friday night! Chris and Craig I've yet to meet, but am sure they're excellent musicians.

Part of being a jazz musician is participating in the common language we share and draw inspiration from. That common language helps to inform these situations were, even though we don't know each other well, we can come together and prepare a program that'll give each musician an opportunity to tell their story. I'll be presenting a mix of original music and standards. Given that we haven't played together, the standards help us find common ground."

Asked to recommend one of his videos on youtube, he sent a link to https://youtu.be/JOhOjMQLOfQ, but remarked “I like this one . . . but I won't be playing music this edgy on Friday . . ..”

This concert is a don’t-miss for dyed in the wool jazz fans, as well as folks who have come to McCaslin recently by way of his work with Bowie. Tickets are $15/$5 students.

--Martin Z. Kasdan Jr.