Brian Scarborough, a standout trombonist, has established himself both as a performer and a composer. His music, described by Chicago Jazz Magazine as "simultaneously stimulating and accessible, refreshingly modern yet rooted in tradition," showcases Scarborough’s ability to blend tradition with innovation. In his second album as a bandleader, “We Need The Wind,” he continues this trend. Trombone legend Michael Dease lauds the album, noting it “beautifully captures Scarborough’s attractive tone and vibrant melodic playing.” “We Need The Wind” not only showcases Scarborough's brilliantly organic melodies but also boldly steps into new realms of color and harmony.
Drawing conceptual inspiration from Scarborough’s personal healing process post the COVID-era pandemic, “We Need The Wind” stands as a paradox, being both deeply introspective and universally appealing. The album, autobiographical in concept, is an emotive and honest work, laying bare the composer’s heart. Each composition, steeped in the earnest feelings Scarborough experienced at the time of creation, allows listeners to step into the artist's shoes. They journey with him through a world-altering experience, understanding and hoping anew, and growing through what once seemed shattering. “Inspired by experiences and emotions felt during the global pandemic, and reflecting on society and the world at large, this project reflects my experiences during this deeply troubling time,” explains Scarborough. “We Need The Wind documents my journey through this experience and the healing process, personally and artistically.”
The album's title and the track from which it derives its name were inspired by an image that came to Scarborough while contemplating the complexities of COVID and post-COVID society. The concept of prayer flags, rooted in Buddhist tradition, struck him profoundly. These flags are believed to carry mantras, blessings, and petitions with the wind to wherever it blows. Scarborough was moved by the idea of nature disseminating messages of hope, kindness, and empathy through the wind. This concept is visually represented in the album artwork, designed by his aunt, Patricia Scarborough. The artwork's lines symbolize the various colors of the prayer flags, blending and mixing in the wind, creating a non-specific visual representation of a universal language as the blessings are transported by the breeze.
In terms of composition, “We Need The Wind” marks a shift in Scarborough's sonic palette compared to his previous release, “Sunflower Song.” He describes the writing process for this album as liberating, signaling the start of a new chapter where he explores new musical directions and redefines himself artistically. “Following the release of ‘Sunflower Song,’ I felt a sense of freedom in composing,” says Scarborough. “It was as though the music for that project was complete, and I was free to move on.” In “We Need The Wind,” he leans more actively into the emotions felt during the compositional phase, coupled with an exploration of new harmonic concepts, while still prioritizing his idiomatic emphasis on the organic development of melody.
The album features a wide array of emotions, each poignantly showcased. The contrast between the first two tracks, “Broken” and “3E,” exemplifies this. “Broken,” written at the start of global lockdowns, reflects Scarborough’s feelings of being broken. Initially an unharmonized melody, it later transformed into a testament to overcoming adversity. “3E,” on the other hand, was inspired by a Zoom call during the pandemic with Scarborough’s former roommate in Chicago, becoming a dedication to camaraderie.
The overarching metaphor of Buddhist prayer flags continues throughout the album, most notably in “One of One.” Starting with a simple melody performed in unison by saxophone and trombone, it takes inspiration from the concept of the Buddhist chant. As the melody progresses, the instruments diverge, with the trombone maintaining the melody and the saxophone improvising over it, reminiscent of the prayer flags and the wind carrying the prayers afar.
For the album to realize its vision, Scarborough assembled “a band filled with some of Kansas City’s finest players, committed to elevating the music to its highest level.” The ensemble includes Matt Otto on tenor saxophone, Roger Wilder on Fender Rhodes, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Brian Steever on drum set, and Scarborough himself on trombone. “We Need The Wind” showcases Scarborough candidly as a composer and performer, capable of both grandiose creative gestures and nuanced emotive expression. His work appeals not just intellectually, but also to the soul of his audience.
“We Need The Wind” will be released on Outside in Music on February 23rd, 2024. OUTSIDE IN MUSIC is a record label and media company dedicated to serving musicians and elevating artists above the noise of the 21st-century music industry, showcasing the sounds of today's diverse jazz and creative music scene.
