Description
Nicole’s saxophone tone is remarkably full, rich, and self-assured, showcasing exquisite balance and nuance across all ranges. Her improvisations reflect a deep understanding of jazz tradition, characterized by creativity and boldness, featuring adventurous rhythmic pulses and intricate harmonic movements. As noted by Patrice Rushen, she embodies humility and respect in her playing, demonstrating an authentic awareness of her artistic roots while gracefully surrendering to the music’s evolving journey, as highlighted by All About Jazz. Her artistry is a true celebration of the jazz legacy and its boundless possibilities.
Alto saxophonist Nicole McCabe has firmly established herself as a compelling and influential figure within the vibrant Los Angeles jazz scene. Her remarkable contributions include the albums *Introducing Nicole McCabe* (2020, featuring George Colligan) and *Landscapes* (2022), both featuring a quartet format that showcases her exceptional sense of swing and an adventurous compositional style. In addition to these works, McCabe’s *Improvisations EP*, released in 2022, highlights her musical versatility through a solo session that explores the sonic possibilities of her alto saxophone, utilizing effects to create abstract, open-form improvisations.
McCabe is also half of the dynamic electro-jazz duo Dolphin Hyperspace, collaborating with bassist Logan Kane—both her life partner and her preferred bassist for the esteemed David Binney. Together with drummer Tim Angulo, they form a formidable rhythm section on *Mosaic*, McCabe’s vibrant fourth album as a bandleader. The album features the exceptional talents of Verve recording artist Julius Rodriguez on piano and Rhodes, whose impeccable and distinctive style enhances the compositions.
In a brilliant expansion of the ensemble, McCabe includes trombonist Jon Hatamiya and trumpeter Aaron Janik on two tracks, which offers richer orchestration and exciting counterpoint. Additionally, guitarist Jeff Parker, renowned for his work with Tortoise and Chicago Underground, contributes his focused melodic artistry to the ballad “Tight Grip.” McCabe expresses her gratitude for Parker’s role as a producer on *Mosaic*, stating, “I’m a big fan of Jeff’s music and appreciate how he propels things forward. I was truly grateful that he agreed to collaborate on this project. He brought his unique approach to my music, which fit seamlessly.”
The opening pieces, “Force of Good” and “Architect,” hold deep personal significance for McCabe. She describes them as a suite dedicated to “the women who have influenced my life, specifically female mentors who have shaped me.” The album concludes with “Derecske” (pronounced DARE-ski), a heartfelt tribute named after a town in Hungary that holds special meaning for her: “It’s for my grandmother, the only grandparent I have. I reached out to her to learn more about her life, and she shared that this is the town where she grew up. The name means ‘little dew’ in Hungarian.”
Two of the tracks were inspired by McCabe’s time at the esteemed Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency program at the Kennedy Center, where she had the privilege of studying under the guidance of Jason Moran. She remarks, “‘Walking Statue’ reflects themes of preserving history while also moving forward, which I believe embodies the essence of the Jazz Ahead program.” Furthermore, “‘Tight Grip’ was written in memory of my uncle, who I unfortunately lost to drug addiction shortly before starting Jazz Ahead. He was a musician, and I hope he would be proud of my journey.” The dramatic crescendo and transition into an expansive free playing section at the end serve as an emotional outlet for McCabe, allowing her to express the frustration and sorrow linked to her uncle’s struggles, while the conclusion of the piece finds a sense of peace. “Everyone in the band contributed to conveying these profound emotions.”
For McCabe, *Mosaic* represents an exhilarating energy of spontaneity, one that she and her collaborators strive to capture during live performances. “It was exhilarating to explore a new ensemble; this project allowed me to build upon my previous albums,” she explains. “While *Landscapes* focused on beauty and nature, with *Mosaic*, I intended to capture the essence of how I feel when performing live. This album brings me closer to that experience.”
The collective of musicians rises to the occasion, igniting a rhythmic spark as they navigate unique forms and changes, diverging from traditional structures that McCabe may have relied upon in earlier works. “‘Force of Good’ possesses the least number of chords I’ve ever incorporated into a piece,” she humorously notes. “This year, I’ve immersed myself in the music of Joni Mitchell and other artists who venture beyond jazz. I’m also deeply inspired by composers like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Walter Smith III, and Melissa Aldana. To me, Julius and Tim embody the New York sound that I adore; it’s aggressive and connected. I can express whatever I’m feeling, and they’re right there with me. Tim challenges me to exceed my own expectations, while Julius brings life to elements in the music that I hadn’t previously envisioned, introducing diverse feels throughout the compositions. Moreover, my musical partnership with Logan continues to develop. After each performance, we engage in discussions that enhance our creative processes. We take pride in understanding each other’s music thoroughly, ensuring that whenever Logan plays my pieces, I can trust that everything will be superb.”
Nicole McCabe’s artistic journey is one of continual growth, exploration, and heartfelt expression, and *Mosaic* undeniably reflects her dedication to pushing the boundaries of jazz, inviting listeners along on this captivating journey.
**Introducing Nicole McCabe**
Hailing from the picturesque Marin County, California, Nicole McCabe has made her vibrant home in Los Angeles, where she earned her Master’s degree from the esteemed Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. Under the guidance of remarkable mentors such as Vince Mendoza, Patrice Rushen, and Russell Ferrante, Nicole’s artistic journey has blossomed into a captivating fusion of hard-bop roots and innovative melodic explorations.
Nicole is deeply immersed in the dynamic, interdisciplinary musical scenes of Los Angeles, collaborating with avant-garde labels like Ghost Note, Brainfeeder, Leaving, and Minaret. She graces beloved local venues including Sam First, Altamira Sound, and ETA, sharing the stage with an impressive array of artists like Rachel Eckroth, Tina Raymond, and Dave Harrington.
Her remarkable discography features the album *Mini Giraffe* with Dolphin Hyperspace (2021) and the EP *Orbit* in collaboration with talented beatmakers 10.4 Rog and Vooo. She has also contributed to Jacob Mann Big Band’s *Greatest Hits Volume 3* and performed alongside distinguished musicians such as David Binney, John Escreet, and Louis Cole.
Recognized for her excellence, Nicole has received prestigious accolades including the Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note Award and the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award. Passionate about nurturing future talent, she currently teaches undergraduate students at California State University, Northridge, and engages with young musicians in Los Angeles public schools through the Musicians at Play Foundation and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz’s *Jazz in the Classroom* program.
Label: GHOST NOTE RECORDS
Genre: Jazz
Run Time: 60:00 mins
Region: 0
Release Date: 04/05/24
UPC: 641033910272
Featuring:
Nicole McCabe – alto saxophone,
Logan Kane – bass,
Tim Angulo – drums,
Julius Rodriguez – piano and Rhodes,
Jon Hatamiya – trombone (1, 8),
Aaron Janik – trumpet (1, 8),
Jeff Parker – guitar (6).
