Jesse Ryan
Jesse Ryan – “The Night Before She Passed”
Jesse Ryan – The Night Before She Passed
Jesse Ryan is a Toronto based saxophonist and educator who grew up in Trinidad. His work was recently nominated for a Juno, and after listening to the first few bars of “The Night Before She Passed,” you quickly understand why.
This song is an ode to his mother who passed away from cancer. It’s a celebration of her life, her diversity, her struggles, and joy, as well as coming to terms with her loss. You feel it, listening to such a diverse piece that takes us on a journey through Caribbean, straight ahead, be-bop and John Scofield vibes.
The melody plays between what we believe to be alto and soprano saxes, on top of drums, percussion, stand-up bass, acoustic piano and keyboards, as well as electric guitar. First solo goes to the electric guitar, reminding us of Scofield. Then an alto taxes over, with a hint of Cannonball and Parker. As drums go spacial, a beautiful Rhodes transition leads us back to the head – an interval heavy melody that shifts moods in its B and C sections. It’s a complex piece for sure, but their arrangement is as sure as the strongest path. A variation on one of its themes reminds us of the beauty of just jamming – the last minute and a half of this song could easily be its own world, but they don’t let it get away from them.
This is the type of composition that can be, and should be, broken down in academic settings. It is stunning. Know wonder Mr. Ryan is making a name for himself in Canada. If he continues on this path, his work could be as honored as the best that Canada has to offer, joining the ranks of Breau, Peterson, Ferguson, and more.
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