Donny McCaslin Group... Q&A conversation with artist: 8 pm

“Donny McCaslin’s gargantuan tenor sound finds an ideal setting through which to rampage in the ferocious grooves and electronic textures of keyboardist Jeff Babko, bassist Tim Lefebvre, and drummer Nate Wood.” –New Yorker Magazine

“Tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin has bravely developed a uniquely personal sound that proudly claims its heritage in the long mainstream of jazz, yet sounds freshly innovative. He deploys sheets-of-sound density inherited from saxophonist John Coltrane, together with an inventive approach to rhythm and placement of notes.” –All About Jazz

“At times there is a Wayne Shorter-like beauty in McCaslin's playing. He is a top-shelf tenor saxophonist with a big round sound and rhythmic ingenuity. His projects, acoustic and electric, have always been high watermarks for straight-ahead playing and composition, while inventive exploration has characterized his music. From the beginning Donny has demonstrated blistering chops… extroverted but never overstated... ripe with fresh ideas and nervy artistry.” –The New Yorker

“He’s a versatile player moving easily between inside and outside musical zones. Even when pushing envelopes there’s a fluidity and grace to his playing combined with the incisive twists and purposeful turns of his emotionally charged solos... His is a startling virtuosity and distinctive voice as a composer! ” –Jazz Times

"Tenor player Donny McCaslin aims high and rather gloriously hits all his targets. With his trademark gift for brawny melodies McCaslin blends inside and outside sensibilities into one sumptuous satisfying package. He creates a game-changing fusion of forward-looking influences into one wholly new modern jazz sound.” —All About Jazz

His current CD, Casting for Gravity, soars past fusion into alchemy, forging a visionary voice from eclectic influences while integrating modern musical genres seamlessly into envelope-pushing jazz. McCaslin has long been one of the music's most striking voices. His solo work and compositions are marked by a restless exploration that has accelerated with his latest release.

— McCaslin now has two young children at home, the more idyllic nature of family life is depicted in Gravity's joyous closer, "Henry," written for his infant son. (see video)