DANIEL DICKINSON — A Gathering Foretold (review)

DANIEL DICKINSON — A Gathering Foretold album cover Album · 2015 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Carmel
A Gathering Foretold is an extremely melodious release from New York-based alto saxophonist Daniel Dickinson. Even though this is his debut outing, Dickinson plays with maturity and merges the historical language of jazz and all the right elements of modern jazz music. Dickinson has assembled a prodigious crew of musicians that play off each other, finding common ground between all the parts and creating an organic hybrid that plays to what sounds like a longtime working ensemble, yet is a well-organized session. A portfolio of Dickinson’s own compositions and arrangements, including original compositions by Christian Sands (Voyage to Somewhere) and Michael Dease (Cry of the Wolf).

Dease’s composition and the opening "Cry of the Wolf " takes its time building and then rises to the five horns playing the melody to create a beautiful sound. Dease stands out with a solid improvisation that utilizes the upper register of the trombone. The interplay between Bowlus’ piano comping figures and Ulysses Owens, Jr.’s drum pattern is a fine example of groups listening and melding to form a musical motif while Dease shapes his lines to a simmering boil.

The title track is composed by Dickinson and is an impactful track that displays both his compositional skills and his able improvisational skills. Dickinson finds inspiration during his solo in Owens’ drum rhythms, making him more than just support here, but the two work together to build and shape the solo statement and that communication is integral to the integrity of this fine album.

Even though everyone in the ensemble is a talented soloist, the emphasis is on listening to each other. “Voyage to Somewhere” features Christian Sands at the piano and as the composer. A relaxed likeable mid-tempo selection with a haunting piano figure is enhanced by Owen's drums and Dickinson’s nimble alto solo. Dickinson’s lines match Sands chordal colors and his creative rhythmic palate serves as a durable launching pad for creative explorations as a soloist.

“Darn That Dream” is the standard on the date and features Dickinson on clarinet. His tasteful clarinet playing has subtle elements of the blues and bop, all conveyed with unbridled swing. His relaxed soloing style is sure in melodic motion, strong in time and impressive in overall flow.

Although Dickinson is the leader and composed most of the material, A Gathering Foretold is by any measure a group effort, with each member given ample room to extemporize and the group works together to accentuate the various melodies and soloists. The respect and friendship between the players is indispensable, resulting in a splendid date with much to offer even the most demanding jazz aficionado and sensitive audiophile.
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