Cohesion by David Larsen

The idea for Cohesion came when I met these players while they were on tour in the The idea for Cohesion came when I met these players while they were on tour in the
Northwest. I really loved the sound they were getting and their group dynamic. After Northwest. I really loved the sound they were getting and their group dynamic. After
talking for a bit, I decided to bring them out as the guests for the SFCC Jazz Workshop. talking for a bit, I decided to bring them out as the guests for the SFCC Jazz Workshop.
While they were out, we played some gigs and went into the studio to record this album. While they were out, we played some gigs and went into the studio to record this album.
I wanted to capture some of the great vibes of this group with my new compositions. I wanted to capture some of the great vibes of this group with my new compositions.
These styles were a bit foreign to me, but I love a challenge, so I leapt in with both feet. These styles were a bit foreign to me, but I love a challenge, so I leapt in with both feet.
The title track, Cohesion, is a modal composition based on two modes played at once. That The title track, Cohesion, is a modal composition based on two modes played at once. That
means the first chord defines the tonal center while the melody is based on a similar means the first chord defines the tonal center while the melody is based on a similar
mode a perfect fifth away. Down To It is also a modal composition, but it is reminiscent mode a perfect fifth away. Down To It is also a modal composition, but it is reminiscent
of great modal tunes of the 1960s, like Coltrane©s Impressions. Movement explores simple of great modal tunes of the 1960s, like Coltrane©s Impressions. Movement explores simple
triads and suspended chords and takes inspiration from great pop tunes of the 1960s. triads and suspended chords and takes inspiration from great pop tunes of the 1960s.
Wishing Well was inspired by Darryl©s African-inspired compositions. It has an Afro-Cuban Wishing Well was inspired by Darryl©s African-inspired compositions. It has an Afro-Cuban
groove and uses a syncopated 12/8 pattern to create the feel. Fedchock is a hard bop groove and uses a syncopated 12/8 pattern to create the feel. Fedchock is a hard bop
piece inspired by the great Jazz Messengers. Working Things Out is a version of a big piece inspired by the great Jazz Messengers. Working Things Out is a version of a big
band chart I published that utilizes modal harmonies and a relaxed vibe. The last two band chart I published that utilizes modal harmonies and a relaxed vibe. The last two
pieces, written by Darryl, remind me a lot of great Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane pieces, written by Darryl, remind me a lot of great Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane
compositions. They are a real challenge to play over, but well worth it. compositions. They are a real challenge to play over, but well worth it.
This project was a great stretch for me as a player and composer, but it has been an This project was a great stretch for me as a player and composer, but it has been an
absolute joy to put together, and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed absolute joy to put together, and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed
making it. making it.
- David Larsen

David has performed with a variety of artists including Ken Peplowski, Francisco Torres, Dave Glenn, Ron Vincent, Bill Mays, Dean Johnson, and acclaimed jazz vocalist Halie Loren. His solo recordings include “Borrowed Time” and “One of a Kind” and plays on Greg Yasinitsky’s album "New Normal" on Origin Records. He is also featured on the award winning Halie Loren album “Butterfly Blue.” (2015)

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