McCaslin began playing the saxophone at age 12 in Santa Cruz, California. During his teenage years, he performed in his father’s band—his father being a vibraphonist—early on honing his musical ear and stage experience. This path naturally led him to a full scholarship at the Berklee College of Music, followed by four years with the Gary Burton Quintet, and then three more with the group Steps Ahead. Over the years, he has also collaborated with major figures in jazz and contemporary music, such as Maria Schneider, Danilo Pérez, the Gil Evans Orchestra, and Elvis Costello.

The Bowie concert, secured thanks to Schneider’s recommendation, ultimately sparked and energized McCaslin’s desire to steer his music toward exciting new directions, exploring fresh avenues in what was once called jazz fusion. For McCaslin, this meant turning toward a blend of jazz and art rock, which is clearly reflected in his last three albums.