Navigating Life's Rhythms: Denin Slage-Koch's "It Comes In Waves"

In the ever-evolving world of jazz, where innovation and creativity are the currencies that truly matter, Denin Slage-Koch emerges as a shining star with his latest musical offering, "It Comes In Waves." As an art form that thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of human emotion, jazz has found in Slage-Koch a gifted artist who effortlessly navigates its intricate waters. With a track record that boasts an Herb Alpert Young Composer's award and collaborations with jazz luminaries, Slage-Koch has embarked on a journey that's as breathtaking as the ebb and flow of the tides.

It Comes In Waves, set to be released on October 13, 2023, under SK Records, is not just an album; it's a transcendent experience. Slage-Koch, a musician, composer, and educator, has poured his heart and soul into this project. It's a record that explores the essence of the human experience, painting a sonic tapestry that captures the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, pleasures and pains of life itself.

From the very first note of the album, you're transported into Slage-Koch's world, a world where music is not merely a collection of sounds but a profound expression of the soul. As he eloquently puts it in the liner notes, "At the mercy of life's raging seas, the only power we have is our ability to love and show compassion to one another." This truth is the driving force behind the creation of this music, and it resonates deeply with every note, inviting listeners to love more deeply, listen more closely, and cherish everyone they meet, just as they are.

The album comprises eight original compositions by Slage-Koch, each a gem in its own right, and a unique arrangement of the Tears for Fears classic, "Everybody Wants to Rule The World." These tracks are a testament to Slage-Koch's eclectic musical influences, drawing from the wellsprings of jazz icons like Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Emily Remler, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter, as well as rock and indie legends like Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Steve Vai, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin.

The title track, "It Comes In Waves," which earned Slage-Koch the prestigious Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer's Award for 2023, is a masterpiece that sets the tone for the entire album. Its intricate melodies and emotional depth showcase Slage-Koch's prowess as both a guitarist and composer. It's a track that washes over you like a gentle tide, pulling you deeper into the musical world he's crafted.

Throughout the album, Slage-Koch's guitar work is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His playing, described as "pristine" and "a very personal voice deserving of attention of its own," oscillates between virtuosic and subtle. It's a testament to his technical prowess that he employs his skills judiciously, using virtuosity only when the music calls for it. Tracks like "The Road Home" and "One for Honey" showcase his ability to deliver straight-ahead, fluid guitar lines, while "Signal Fires" and "Continue" see him soaring to raucous heights.

For "It Comes In Waves," Slage-Koch handpicked a group of exceptionally talented musicians, many of whom he's had the privilege of collaborating with for years. Trombonist Ryan Keberle, whose resume includes collaborations with David Bowie, Sufjan Stevens, and Maria Schneider, stands as a testament to Slage-Koch's discerning taste. Keberle, who mentored Denin during his undergraduate days at Whitworth University, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the music. His presence on the album adds a layer of richness and depth that elevates the entire project.

Trumpeter Shane Endsley, known for his work with Kneebody, complements Slage-Koch and Keberle in the front line. His trumpet and flugelhorn work add a melodic and harmonic dimension that's both captivating and expressive. On "The Cost of Apathy," clarinetist Jared Cathey adds his talents, infusing the track with a brooding intensity that lingers in the air.

The rhythm section, consisting of pianist Gavin Allen-Dunn, bassist Seth Lewis, and drummer Bobby Wiens, forms the backbone of the album. Slage-Koch aptly recognizes the unsung heroes of jazz, emphasizing that "it is the rhythm section that makes the music magical and memorable on the best recordings." Indeed, this rhythm section does just that, providing the solid foundation upon which the album's sonic landscapes are built.

One notable aspect of this project is its funding through the Pathways to Jazz grant, underscoring the significance of community support in nurturing the arts. It's a testament to Slage-Koch's dedication and vision that he's garnered such support, further highlighting the importance of his musical contributions.

Slage-Koch's journey in the world of jazz is peppered with accolades and milestones. Multiple Downbeat Student Music Awards, a 2022 Pathways to Jazz grant award, and performances at prestigious venues like the national Jazz Education Network conference, Vail Jazz, and the Eduardo Brito National Theater in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, all bear witness to his remarkable talent and dedication.

"It Comes In Waves" marks his third album, following the critically acclaimed "re: manhattan project" and "Temporary Songs." Each of these releases has garnered praise and consistent airplay, cementing Slage-Koch's status as a musician whose work resonates deeply with both listeners and critics.

Beyond his prowess as a performer, Slage-Koch is a sought-after composer and arranger. His composition "One for Honey" earned an honorable mention at the Ithaca College Jazz Composition Contest, competing against entries from 15 countries. His work has graced the repertoires of artists like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Melissa Aldana, Carmen Bradford, and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, to name a few. Slage-Koch's ability to craft compelling compositions is yet another facet of his multifaceted talent.

Slage-Koch's journey as a musician and educator is rooted in a solid foundation of education and mentorship. He holds a Doctor of Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Whitworth University. His list of teachers reads like a who's who of the jazz world, including luminaries such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Gary Versace, and Steve Kovalcheck, among others.

As you dive into "It Comes In Waves," prepare to be enchanted by a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and genres. The album's tracklist is a testament to Slage-Koch's creative prowess.

The ensemble of players on this album is a testament to Slage-Koch's ability to assemble a dream team of musicians:

PLAYERS, INSTRUMENT:

• Denin Slage-Koch (Dehn-in Slay-je Cook) - electric and acoustic guitars

• Ryan Keberle (Keh-bur-lee) - trombone

• Jared Cathey (Cah-thee) - clarinet

• Shane Endsley - trumpet and flugelhorn

• Gavin Allen-Dunn - keyboards

• Seth Lewis - bass

• Bobby Wiens (Weans) - drums and percussion

Together, these musicians breathe life into Slage-Koch's compositions, adding their unique voices to the narrative he weaves through his music.

As I reflect on "It Comes In Waves," I am reminded of the words of the great Duke Ellington, who once said, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing." Denin Slage-Koch's music has that swing, and so much more. It's an exploration of the human experience, a sonic journey that invites you to ride the waves of emotion and consciousness. It's a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of music itself.

In a world where music often serves as a fleeting distraction, "It Comes In Waves" stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to touch our souls and remind us of our shared humanity. Denin Slage-Koch has created not just an album but a masterpiece that will resonate with listeners for years to come. So, brace yourself for a musical voyage like no other, as you dive into the depths of "It Comes In Waves" and let Denin Slage-Koch's virtuosity and artistry wash over you.

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