Daniel Dickinson: A Gathering Foretold
By"Cry of the Wolf" opens the album, with Bowlus playing Tynerisms over a relaxed medium swing set up by Rogers and Owens. The horns enter to tell their melodic story. It is one of fluidity and hip band hits through an easy to follow form. Dickenson's solo is full of strength. His tone is full and strong, his lines have strong direction and resolution, while settling in the pocket. Taking his time to tell his story, he builds his ideas with the help of the band to a logical climax and satisfying musical journey.
"A Gathering Foretold" is a fine example of the power of Dickinson's pen, as well as his horn. The composition has a nice medium up-tempo that support the melodic statement. Dickinson improvises before he states the melody and he flows seamlessly into the written part, that the entire arc of his improvisation and written melody sound as one.
We all love original compositions from an artist, but most musicians and avid jazz listeners want to hear how an artist approaches standards. Dickinson gives us that opportunity twice with two standards, "Yes or No" and "Darn That Dream." Both reveal the depth and command of his horn playing, and the grasp of jazz language Dickinson possesses. Never overplaying, but always pushing forward his musical statement in a clear and concise manner. That brings us the real métier of Dickinson's playing, he is able to clearly communicate an emotional melodic line, and in a jazz musician, it doesn't get better than that!
Track Listing
Cry of the Wolf; Dandelion Wine; Ex Nihilo; Exodus; Noumenal World; Redemption; Number of Completion; A Gathering Foretold; Voyage to Somewhere; Yes or No; Darn That Dream.
Personnel
Daniel Dickinson: alto sax; Christian Sands: piano (9); Joshua Bowlus: piano; Michael Dease: trombone; Ulysses Owens, Jr.: drums; Barry Greene: guitar; Reuben Rogers: acoustic bass; Mercedes Beckman: bari sax; Alphonso Horne: trumpet; Juan Rollan: tenor sax.
Album information
Title: A Gathering Foretold | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Instrument: Saxophone
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