When I sat down to write liner notes it became clear to me an explanation of my creative process could provide the listener with some interesting insights into my music. There are a number of structural and underlying conceptual ideas that (I believe) help shape and define this music.

“Symmetry” - there are many definitions for this word. One that closely reflects what I was looking to achieve with this series of pieces is “beauty as a result of balance or harmonious arrangement”. The tunes on this CD are born out of my conception of “symmetry” as it relates to musical form, melody, harmony, and rhythm. There is a balance in this repertoire with various symmetrical elements present in the compositions.

Brazil Like, Common Ground, and Greenwich Time were all conceived as intervallic melodies. Brazil Like and Common Ground also share similar harmonic structures that move through all twelve keys using different intervallic modulations. Greenwich Time and Symmetry are derived from six and nine-note augmented scale harmony. Both tunes contain contrasting root and harmonic cycles that move through their forms in different phrase lengths. Mackrel's Groove and Labyrinth have shifting forms for the different soloists. The harmony for Contemplation and Eleven is based on parallel cycles using the diminished and augmented axis respectively. Shadows is a two-part melody that is first stated by the two horns and then shifts between the horns and the rhythm section. Bop Zone is a standard thirty-two bar tune with an ABCD form.

The musicians, all masters of the art form, bring an incredible sense of balance and proportion to the music at hand. It was an absolutely exhilarating experience to have this group bring my compositions to life.

Tom Harrell is one of the most distinctive and accomplished voices in jazz and has been at the forefront of this genre for the last forty years. From the first time I heard Tom play in the late seventies, I was hooked – I became an instant fan of his music. Over the years I have followed Tom's career through numerous recordings and in live performances wherever possible. Tom's uncompromising dedication and musical vision have been, and remain, a tremendous source of inspiration to me. I was thrilled when Tom accepted my offer to take part in this recording. His presence and musicality at these sessions were sublime.

Dennis Mackrel is someone I've had the pleasure of hearing in a number of diverse musical settings, spanning a period of over twenty years. I met and played with Dennis for the first time in 2007 and have been looking for an opportunity to record together since; this project seemed ideal. Dennis has great musical instincts and an innate sense of exactly what makes the band or soloist sound great. Dennis always seems to deliver the perfect blend of support, interaction, power, dynamic range, and colour, all growing out of and fuelled by an incredible groove. Dennis brought great energy and an infectious groove to the proceedings.

Neil Swainson is quite simply one of the best bassists out there. Neil has worked with many of the greats throughout his career and is one of the top call bassists in Canada. Neil is capable of going in any number of directions musically. He has great time, a great sound, impeccable intonation, knows how to lay it down, can play loose, and is an incredible soloist. I have had the pleasure of working with Neil in a host of situations for well over twenty-five years (and am still in awe of his musicianship.) Neil anchored the rhythm section beautifully and contributed some great solos.

Brian Dickinson and I have played together for over thirty years. We have also taught side by side for over two decades, and are both presently on the faculty of the renowned music program at Toronto's Humber College. Brian is one of Canada's leading pianists and a very accomplished composer. Brian has worked with many leading musicians over the past three decades and has produced a number of outstanding projects under his own name. Brian has perhaps logged more time playing my music than any other pianist I know. He possesses a great touch and produces a warm, balanced sound on the piano. He is a first-class accompanist and an excellent soloist with a well-developed and sophisticated sense of harmony. Brian's playing on this recording beautifully showcases his depth as a musician.

Engineer, producer Steve Bellamy has done fantastic work in all aspects of capturing this music. Great, ears, ideas, attitude, and total dedication to making the music work on the highest level possible From the beginning to the end of this project Steve was in there one hundred percent. This is the fifth CD Steve and I have co-produced for Addo records and it's always a pleasure to work together. A big thank you to Steve for providing a home for my music on Addo and his continued commitment to producing creative music on Addo.
Thanks to Tom, Brian,Neil, and Dennis for their contributions