David Bixler: BEATitude

Felicity finds its way into the heart and soul of David Bixler's music on BEATitude. Reconvening the quartet that drew wonder out of adversity on In The Face Of Chaos (Red Piano, 2019), this acclaimed alto saxophonist delivers eight numinous originals that speak to conviction and faith in moving form(s).

"A Power Deferred," opening the proceedings, artfully deals in the divine, exhibiting strength through patience. Providence—encircling this entire affair, and making its initial presence felt in this launch point—promotes a straight-time course that introduces the complementary voices of the leader, pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Ike Sturm and percussionist Rogerio Boccato. "Balm," holding second position at the crux of Saturday night and Sunday morning, beckons with outstretched arms. Bixler, on stage and at pulpit, sets the scene with casual grace, Sturm carries forward the duality of blues and blessings, the leader returns and calls the congregation's attention toward Cowherd (before taking thematic control again), and Boccato carries it all forward in classy and unassuming fashion. It soothes as it says, and so it goes.

"Hide Seek Find," dealing in direct belief and the art of discovery, plays the loose-tight duality to perfection as it searches within Latin-tinged territory. Then Bixler and company waltz and wind their way into deeper dimensions on "Down Up," play in most positive fashion over the tumbao-esque tentpoles of "Peace Prize," embrace the unknown through the Boccato-ushered "I Spy," and muse on the merciful—with lines both soulful and forked—during "Clement." By the time this band arrives at the motivically-moored "Lost Hour? No," it is clear that there are high(er) powers positioned around this entire affair.

Theologians among listeners can draw more direct links to scripture (e.g. Matthew 5:3-12) in these sonic dispatches, but suffice it to say that David Bixler is a man of joy and faith. The wonder-filled music on BEATitude certainly bears that out if one is open enough to listen.