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Al McLean
The bar he sets is sky high, with an equally nimble command of bebop, and more avant-garde repertoire rooted in the language of Coltrane.
MacLean is also a sought after saxophone restoration expert. Specializing in vintage instruments from the first half of the 20th Century, McLean makes the old horns sing. He can be found most nights of the week in Montreal's numerous Jazz hot spots, glittering vintage horn in hand, wowing audiences, inspiring (or unnerving) his band mates.
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Sam Kirmayer: In This Moment
by Jack Bowers
Montreal-based guitarist Sam Kirmayer leads a well-modulated sextet on In This Moment, wherein all ten of the album's numbers were written by Kirmayer. That is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, Kirmayer's themes are, for the most part, light, sunny and squarely in the jazz tradition; on the other, none of them is likely to enter the standard canon. They are more pleasant than memorable, which evidently suits his purpose. The ensemble, however, gives ...
read moreSebastian Bailey: Ensemble de Magnac
by Jim Olin
Quebec-based composer-saxophonist Sebastian Bailey is primarily focused on chamber jazz on his latest EP, and his innovative ear guides each track. Ensemble de Magnac summarizes Bailey's creative vision quite well, especially his ability to create a diverse and engaging soundscape. The music on this release has a classic sound and the production aesthetics are solid, highlighting the natural chemistry between these talented musicians. The record's spotlight on chamber jazz allows the line-up to create a thick sonic fabric ...
read moreSaxophone Giants Azar Lawrence & Al McLean Kick Off "Conduit"
Source:
Randy Cole
Cinematographer Randy Cole and saxophonist Al McLean deliver Conduit, an iconic Jazz recording, captured in a former church in jny: Montreal. Cole and McLean invited American saxophonist Azar Lawrence, to the session (McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis), and the resulting tracks are mesmerizing. Digitally released on major music download sites (iTunes, Amazon, etc.), Conduit will be officially launched on March 7th in Montreal at Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill by Azar Lawrence and Al McLean. Together, Lawrence and McLean ...
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The Moon is Made of Gold
From: Because I LovedBy Al McLean