James McGowan Interview | Threads of Fate, 2026 Jazz Album, Greek Mythology & Large Ensemble Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader James McGowan. On this episode, we explore his stunning new 2026 album Threads of Fate, the tenth recording as a leader and the third featuring the acclaimed James McGowan Ensemble (JME)—a dynamic 14-piece group that seamlessly blends horns, strings, and rhythm section into a cinematic modern jazz experience. Building on the ambitious musical vision established with Reaching In (2023) and Reaching Out (2024), Threads of Fate takes listeners even deeper into narrative composition. Inspired by the timeless Greek myth of the Three Fates, the project was developed alongside KingDom Theatre as part of an innovative physical theatre production that premiered at Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2025. The album combines orchestral textures, contemporary jazz, dramatic storytelling, and expressive improvisation into a powerful artistic statement that bridges jazz, theater, mythology, and modern composition. During our conversation, James discusses composing for large ensembles, collaborating across artistic disciplines, bringing mythology into contemporary jazz, leading a 14-piece ensemble, his creative process, Canadian jazz, and the evolution of one of today's most imaginative large-group composers. Whether you're a fan of big band jazz, contemporary composition, orchestral jazz, or cinematic storytelling through music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Enjoy this interview. Get the album and learn more:https://jamesmcgowan.ca/threads_of_fate For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.