Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The New Jazz Composers Octet: The Turning Gate

388

The New Jazz Composers Octet: The Turning Gate

By

Sign in to view read count
The New Jazz Composers Octet: The Turning Gate


Trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader David Weiss has been a fixture on the New York scene since returning to the city of his birth after graduating from North Texas State. Leader of the long-running  New Jazz Composers Octet, Weiss continues to evolve.



The Turning Gate, the third album from the NJCO, though the first under the Motema Music label, proves that Weiss has big and excellent ears—not just in terms of his own playing and composing but in providing an outlet for some of the best talent available in this town or anywhere. Offering well-constructed original works full of vitality and invention by the leader, pianist Xavier Davis, saxophonist Myron Walden and bassist Dwayne Burno, this new disc is at times contemplative and understated but also bold and adventurous.



Here’s a group that listens to each other and fully respects each other’s intentions and personalities; no grandstanding, no stepping on each other’s toes or aims. If these guys have any bones to pick with each other you don’t hear it. What you do hear is fine music, logically composed and masterfully executed by all the musicians above plus trombonist Steve Davis, saxophonist Jimmy Greene, baritone saxophonist Norbert Stachel and Nasheet Waits on drums.



A listener doesn’t have to know all the thought that’s behind these pieces to appreciate them fully, though the supplementary material in the notes doesn’t hurt. For instance, each of the six movements of Xavier Davis’ “The Faith Suite” explores the idea of a different kind of faith, or lack thereof—including allusions to the Biblical stories of Noah as well as David and Goliath. Weiss’ title track explores a cyclical theme alluding to a Korean legend that states, according to Weiss, “happiness is just around the corner always out of reach.” Yet while such themes might sound cerebral the music itself is accessible and whatever the inspiration, the overall sound throughout feels heartfelt, never mechanical.

Track Listing

The Turning Gate; New; David and Goliath; Once; Bad Alchemy; The Faith Suite (I; In the Beginning; II; Twilight; III; The Doubtful; IV; Panic); Onward.

Personnel

David Weiss
trumpet

David Weiss; trumpet; Xavier Davis; piano; Myron Walden; alto saxophone; Dwayne Burno; bass; Steve Davis; trombone; Jimmy Greene; tenor and soprano saxophone; Nasheet Waits; drums; Norbert Stachel; baritone sax.

Album information

Title: The Turning Gate | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Motema Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.