Home » Jazz Musicians » Al McLean

Al McLean

Hands down Montreal's preeminent talent of the Jazz saxophone, Al McLean owns the night in this grand old Jazz city. Mentoring countless students of the music, McLean's brute force, and seemingly bottomless depths as an improviser keep his professional cohorts honest.

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.

Tags

29
Album Review

Sam Kirmayer: In This Moment

Read "In This Moment" reviewed 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 ...

1
Album Review

Sebastian Bailey: Ensemble de Magnac

Read "Ensemble de Magnac" reviewed 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 more articles
4

Recording

Saxophone Giants Azar Lawrence & Al McLean Kick Off "Conduit"

Saxophone 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 ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

In This Moment

Cellar Live
2022

buy

Ensemble de Magnac

Self Produced
2019

buy

Because I Loved

Self Produced
2018

buy

The Moon is Made of Gold

From: Because I Loved
By Al McLean

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.