Q&A UNCUT: How do you view Blackstar now?
DONNY McCASLIN: It was life-changing. Because of the visibility of Blackstar, suddenly I had more opportunities as a bandleader. I played show after show, tour after tour; it was a dream come true. It led me down a different path, too. I recorded an album, Blow, that had vocals on it – unusual for me as a saxophone player. David had talked about how you’re onto something when you’re uncomfortable. So I felt like, “Yes, sir. I am uncomfortable right now! And yes, thank you!” All these things were pushed forward by that experience of Blackstar. One time, David told me he saw me experimenting with electronics to find a new language on the saxophone. After David passed, I started getting in pedals and manipulating the sound live on my saxophone. He had his finger on the pulse of how I would develop as a person.