The Debut Recording From Bixler,
Boccato, Cowherd and Sturm: In The Face of Chaos
In the Face of Chaos represents an artistic reemergence for
alto saxophonist and composer David Bixler. A traumatic brain injury suffered
by his youngest son necessitated a shift in Bixler's priorities for much of the
last decade-a period in which his family devoted much of its energy to the circumstances
of its youngest member. However, this past year Bixler made a conscious
decision to re-enter the realm of creative music, but with a perspective
gracefully changed and informed by his family's circumstances. In the Face of
Chaos is his first recording in five years, and the debut from his newly formed
band, Bixler, Boccato, Cowherd and Sturm.
On In the Face of Chaos Bixler presents six new compositions
and an arrangement of the spiritual "Give Me Jesus." For this
recording Bixler has assembled a band that understands the nuance and power of
the message this music was intended to convey. Pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Ike
Sturm and percussionist Rogerio Boccato, sensitively interpret Bixler's
compositions, creating music that is both challenging and subtle, and perhaps
most importantly, has no fear of embracing beauty.
The recording begins with the title track, In the Face of
Chaos, whose melody embodies a calm as it makes it way above, under, and
through a constantly shifting harmonic infrastructure. The rhythm section
creates a diaphanous texture that allows Bixler to demonstrate to the listener
his response to the chaos that surrounds him. Nofomomofo, whose title that
takes a playful jab at the overused acronym, is a call to arms, moving forward
purposefully without a question of veering from intended purpose. The alto solo
beings patiently, and builds until yielding the floor to Cowherd, whose solo
demonstrates his exceptional rhythmic creativity. Bassist Ike Sturm solos next,
before extending an invitation Boccato to join him in conversation. Return
speaks of a return to purpose as well as a physical move back to NYC. It first
presents itself as a bolero, before becoming more rhythmically malleable with
each of the subsequent iterations of the melody. It ends with a 7/4 vamp, which
at first listen appears to be a non-sequitur until it is realized that its
purpose is to serve as a bridge to the next selection, Hope. An inspired tune
with a singing melody, Hope is the antidote to the chaos that attacks, but
doesn't conquer. Cowherd's three choruses on this selection bear a listen.
The
next composition, Deep Trust, is a through-composed chamber piece that takes
the listener on a journey of thought and soul. The composition makes use of a
subtle silence that is an integral part of a melody. A 12/8 Afro-Cuban groove
begins a long, slow burn that climaxes with Bixler giving the listener an
aperture into his soul. Following this emotional intensity, the waltz Leap
cleanses the palette with its playful melody and energetic solos. The event
ends with Bixler's' take on the spiritual Give me Jesus. This version moves a
little quicker than usual and its beautiful melody is set in three different
harmonic settings. Well-constructed and soulful solos are contributed by all.
In the Face of Chaos is the first of two recently completed
recordings; another recording, Blended Lineage, which features a nonet,
including among others, pianist Cowherd, and trumpet player, Mike Rodriguez, is
awaiting release.These two recordings along with LINER NOTES with David Bixler,
a new podcast available on iTunes and Google Play, collectively represent the
declaration of a repurposed take on his life as a musician.
No comments:
Post a Comment