From Jazz Club to Blackstar: Donny McCaslin's Musical Journey with David Bowie
In a small jazz club in New York City, saxophonist Donny McCaslin had a chance encounter with music icon David Bowie. This meeting led to a collaboration on Bowie's final album, Black Star, released shortly before his passing in 2016. McCaslin, a member of Maria Schneider's Orchestra at the time, was recommended to Bowie by Schneider, ultimately leading to their musical partnership.
McCaslin's nerves were palpable when he first met Bowie, knowing that his name had been put forward by Schneider for potential collaboration. However, Bowie quickly hired him, and their work together on Blackstar was akin to making a jazz record, with minimal takes per song. The recording process was swift and efficient, with Bowie actively participating in the music-making.
The creation of Blackstar was shrouded in secrecy to avoid media attention, and McCaslin had to keep the project under wraps due to a non-disclosure agreement. Despite the excitement of working with Bowie, McCaslin remained cautious about the album's release, not wanting to get ahead of himself or assume the outcome.
Following the success of Blackstar, McCaslin's career flourished, and he embraced more opportunities as a bandleader. His experiences with Bowie opened doors to new musical ventures, including collaborations with other artists and the release of his own projects. McCaslin's journey from meeting Bowie in a jazz club to contributing to his final album has been a transformative and fulfilling experience in his musical career.
Donny McCaslin continues to perform with Maria Schneider's Orchestra while exploring new musical territories. His latest album, MXD, with singer Ryan Dahl, showcases a blend of progressive art rock influenced by Bowie's legacy. McCaslin's dedication to his craft and the impact of his collaboration with Bowie have shaped his artistic evolution, paving the way for future creative endeavors.