The saxophonist behind David Bowie's 'Blackstar' discusses ‘Lullaby for the Lost’, his genre-defying new album, creative partnerships with Tim Lefebvre and David Fridmann, and finding artistic authenticity through controlled chaos.
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The Spotlight shines On saxophonist Donny McCaslin.
Donny's new album, Lullaby for the Lost, arrives September 26th on Edition Records, and what a record it is. It’s Donny’s saxophone with guitar-driven rock energy, drawing from influences like Neil Young and Nine Inch Nails, resulting in what Donny calls his most personal music to date.
You might know Donny from his pivotal role on David Bowie's final album ★ (pronounced Blackstar). His latest work demonstrates what may have drawn Bowie to him in the first place: an artist always willing to push into uncharted territory.
Donny is also bringing the Blackstar Symphony to stages across the US and Europe, reimagining Bowie's masterwork with a full orchestra.
I previously spoke with Donny in January 2022 in front of a live audience in New York City. That conversation, which goes much deeper into Donny’s early life as well as his work with David, is available on the official David Bowie YouTube channel, with a link in our show notes.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Donny McCaslin’s album Lullaby for the Lost)
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00:01:38 - Post-COVID creative resurgence and juggling multiple projects
00:02:20 - McCaslin's process for maintaining creative focus across different projects
00:05:08 - Evolution and flexibility of the Blackstar Symphony repertoire
00:07:11 - Musical influences on Lullaby for the Lost - from AC/DC to avant-garde
00:08:35 - Balancing jazz tradition with rock and electronic influences
00:15:39 - Creative partnership evolution with Tim Lefebvre as producer
00:16:11 - Decision-making process: commercial vs. artistic choices
00:19:23 - Working relationship dynamics when bandmates become producers
00:22:42 - David Fridmann's production influence and electronic manipulation
00:27:41 - Harnessing controlled chaos and structured improvisation
00:29:01 - Joy and emotional authenticity in live performance
00:31:18 - Protective feelings about Bowie's music and finding the right approach
00:32:17 - Genesis of the Blackstar Symphony project with Jules Buckley
00:37:18 - Working with different symphony orchestras around the world
00:39:16 - Meaning behind the album title "Lullaby for the Lost"
00:41:01 - Future acoustic projects and different musical configurations
00:44:01 - Creating entirely new musical categories beyond traditional jazz
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Visit Donny McCaslin at https://www.donnymccaslin.com
and follow him on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/donnymccaslin.bsky.social
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/donnymccaslinmusic
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/donnymccaslinmusic
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@DonnyMcCaslin
Purchase 'Lullaby for the Lost' from Edition Records → https://editionrecords.com/store
Bandcamp → https://donnymccaslin.bandcamp.com/album/lullaby-for-the-lost
or Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/lullaby-for-the-lost-donny-mccaslin/vulpxk18ma5ka
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://album.link/i/1821263870
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
Be sure to check out The Tonearm, our new magazine site featuring fascinating perspectives and conversations with creative people → https://www.thetonearm.com
The Tonearm on Mastodon → https://social.lol/@thetonearm
The Tonearm on Bluesky → https://bsky.app/profile/thetonearm.com
The Tonearm on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tonearm
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