Ross McHenry - Waves (2024)

'Waves' is an ambitious project from bassist-composer Ross McHenry, an exploration of memory, history, and the impact of seismic personal and existential events. Crafted in the wake of Australia's devastating 2019 summer fires, Waves stands as a poignant love letter to the landscapes and relationships that shape our stories. Recorded at the Bunker Studios in New York, the album features an impressive roster of musicians, including Eric Harland, Ben Monder, Donny McCaslin, Adam O’Farrill, and Matthew Sheens, lifting McHenry's celebrated compositional voice to unprecedented heights.

'Waves' embarks from the depths of the ocean to the nostalgia of childhood gardens, encapsulating Ross McHenry’s reflections on the ephemeral nature of memory and history. "This work is about how we loosely grasp our own memory and fathom the uncontrollable chain reactions of seismic personal and existential events," McHenry explains. The album is not just a musical exploration but a journey through the emotional landscapes that define us. It reflects a profound connection to place and the stories that emerge from our interactions with the world around us. "Written against the backdrop of a burning Australia, 'Waves' is a testament to the resilience of landscape and the human spirit," McHenry shares.

Ross McHenry's global reputation is built on a foundation of fearless experimentalism and significant international collaborations. His work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2019 APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence in Jazz and the 2020 Arts South Australia Ruby Award for Best Work Outside a Festival.

'Waves' not only continues this tradition but also represents a significant evolution in McHenry's artistic journey, reinforcing his status as a pivotal figure in new Australian music. "Each album is a reflection of an ever-evolving artistic conversation, driven by a commitment to the vulnerability and imperfect nature of the creative process," McHenry notes, highlighting his dedication to redefining the boundaries of his musical expression through ongoing collaborations and explorations.

Ross McHenry is a multi-award-winning bassist and composer whose career has been characterized by boundary-pushing explorations in contemporary improvised music, chamber music, and beyond. With five solo albums to his name, McHenry is an Australian Music Centre Associate Artist and holds a PhD in jazz composition. Beyond his musical achievements, he is a passionate advocate for the arts, serving as the current Executive Director of Windmill Theatre Company and contributing to the Australian arts sector through leadership, production, research, and advocacy.

'Waves' stands as the latest milestone in McHenry's distinguished career, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a rich musical experience that spans the personal and universal.

Featuring Ross McHenry - Bass, Eric Harland - Drums, Donny McCaslin - Tenor Saxophone, Adam O'Farrill - Trumpet, Ben Monder - Guitar, Matthew Sheens - Piano

Tracklist:
1-1. Ross McHenry - Waves (09:22)
1-2. Ross McHenry - In Landscape (08:36)
1-3. Ross McHenry - Love And Obscurity (09:17)
1-4. Ross McHenry - July 1986 (08:51)
1-5. Ross McHenry - Odysseus In Brooklyn (08:08)
1-6. Ross McHenry - North Of The River (05:36)
1-7. Ross McHenry - 1989 (06:40)