Numinosity

Genre-defying trio Numinosity consists of David Mott (baritone saxophone), Justin Gray (bass veena, acoustic bass), and Jesse Stewart (percussion). The group was named for the music they play, which audience members have described as having a “numinous” or spiritual quality. Their music is entirely improvised, drawing on diverse influences and traditions that reflect their respective musical backgrounds.

David Mott’s playing crosses the boundaries of style, form, and content, incorporating elements of jazz, creative improvised music, new music, and world influences. He is one of the pioneers of using circular breathing, multiphonics, and other extended techniques on the baritone saxophone in order to create a rich tapestry of polyphonic sound. He has worked with musicians including Gil Evans, Stevie Wonder, William Parker, Ray Anderson, Gerry Hemingway, Mark Dresser, Robert Dick, Ernst Reijseger, Wadada Leo Smith, Michael Vlatkovich, and many others.

Justin Gray performs in a variety of traditional and contemporary musical ensembles from around the world and leads his own contemporary world music ensemble, Justin Gray & Synthesis. In 2010, he invented the Bass Veena, an instrument designed for Indian classical and contemporary world music performance.

Jesse Stewart has performed and/or recorded with many musical luminaries including Pauline Oliveros, Hamid Drake, and William Parker. In 2012, he was honoured with the “Instrumental Album of the Year” JUNO award for his work with Stretch Orchestra.

When they perform together, their diverse musical sensibilities overlap and interact with one another in unexpected ways, creating transcendent improvised music.