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Trombonist Ron Westray has performed with illustrious ensembles such as the Mingus Big Band, New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Wynton Marsalis Septet, Irving Mayfield, The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the Marcus Roberts Ensemble. He is currently an Associate Professor at York University (Toronto, CA) and also serves as the Oscar Peterson Chair in Jazz Performance.

At his label Blue Canoe are listed his solo projects Jimi Jazz, Live From Austin, Medical Cures For The Chromatic Commands Of The Inner City and Magisteria. This CD features as additional musicians Matt Rait (guitar), Ross MacIntyre (bass), Anthony Michelli (drums), and Richard Whiteman (fender rhodes). Ron has produced, composed and performed this album. The album presents overall short pieces, in Toto overwhelming twenty tracks.

Ron plays his instrument with a nonchalance and speed that impressed. On Eureka stand him his sidemen in every way. A grandiose happening. On Nemesis 8, I feel a certain resemblance to the music of Jeff Bradshaw. Who copied who, however, I can not say. Nemesis 2 introduces us in the excellence of Ron's technique, which Richard Whiteman opposes an impressive solo on the Fender Rhodes.

With the mellow Deep Breath Ron allows a relaxed attitude. Write it on the dream amount. He also takes the slow train on Nemesis 11. The very short interlude Silent Woo stays in context with the previous tune. What a Guy can be relate on all musicians in an applauding way.

Nemesis 10 is a short bass and Hi­Hat take. On Nemesis 4 Ron leaves the beaten track of the pentatonic scale. Jazz is just more freedom. In contrast, Complete Savages is very reasonably tame. Nemesis finally is suitable for smooth jazz radio stations with an appealing groove. On Good Afternoon Ron reaches the gentle plains of smooth jazz. With Clearer View he goes back into the lofty heights of contemporary jazz, to illustrate with leisurely pace Ceiling Leak.

Help Me Out is the longest track on this album and shows the musicians in full action. Nemesis 6 is particularly recommended for all fans of the Fender Rhodes with Richard Whiteman's solo exposed. Smoothie passes through like a good drink. It's Crazy is very structured and dynamic. With Freudian Slip the band makes its contribution to the infinite number of musical interpretations of this term. Enjoy the Evening is the final testament of distinct playfulness of this trombonist and his band.

With Magisteria Ron Westray has made the trombone to a musical science. The album is heavily influenced by that instrument, and is a must for all lovers of the trombone.

 


 

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Album Information

Title: Magisteria
Artist: Ron Westray
Year: 2015
Genre: Contemporary Jazz
Label: Blue Canoe


Tracks:

1 Eureka 3:43
2 Nemesis 8 2:39
3 Nemesis 2 3:59
4 Deep Breath 3:04
5 Nemesis 11 3:29
6 Silent Woo 1:57
7 What a Guy 2:30
8 Nemesis 10 0:45
9 Nemesis 4 3:47
10 Complete Savages 1:34
11 Nemesis  3:11
12 Good Afternoon 2:18
13 Clearer View 2:07
14 Ceiling Leak 2:36
15 Help Me Out 4:24
16 Nemesis 6 2:19
17 Smoothie 3:21
18 It's Crazy 1:55
19 Freudian Slip 3:45
20 Enjoy the Evening 2:22