James Newton - Water Mystery (Gramavision, 1986)

This post is by Dan

James Newton (fl); April Aoki (hp); Anthony Brown (perc); Red Callender (tba); John Carter (cl); Allan Iwohara (koto); Greg Martin (ob); Roberto Miranda (b); John Nunez (bsn); Charles Owens (engh, ss)

Recorded 1985

Water Mystery is James Newton's follow-up to Luella, reviewed earlier in this blog. In place of the strings on Luella, Newton chose reeds, a harpist, and a koto player. The result is an intriguing blend of chamber jazz with an Eastern vibe. Some might wish to classify this as "world music," but it is too rooted in jazz traditions to be exiled to a vaguely defined category. The inspirations for Water Mystery are diverse, ranging from tributes to famous composers (Billy Strayhorn and George Russell), to the Pacific Ocean, and to street gangs. 

Newton offers some insight into his approach in the liner notes: "As in many recent compositions, the relationship of colors, textures, and emotion are paramount to the intention of the composition." While that might sound a trifle "brainy," Newton executes the intention masterfully. There are many colors and textures on display, typically involving the woodwinds and stringed instruments (harp and koto). "Star Crossed Lovers" and "Lone Hill" are beautifully conceived and played. "Water Mystery" portrays the warm expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Newton and his associates are virtuosi on their respective instruments, and the whole program is played with both precision and emotion.

A word about the bassoonist, John Nunez. It's hard to name very many jazz bassoonists. I can think of Karen Borca, Michael Rabinowitz, Paul Hanson and Sara Schoenbeck. They all have limited discographies, although Schoenbeck has recently issued a pair of new recordings, one solo. Nunez compares well to these players, especially on "Star Crossed Lovers" where he is featured. It's a credit to Newton's ability to write music for the bassoon, as well as the oboe and English horn. Colors and textures, as the man said.