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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 ...
Continue ReadingSebastian 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 ...
Continue ReadingJazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. After his father's death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. After his father's death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. After his father's death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. After his father's death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw\'s orchestra. After his father\'s death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell... Read more.
Place our ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw\'s orchestra. After his father\'s death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell... Read more.
Place our ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw\'s orchestra. After his father\'s death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell... Read more.
Place our ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jackie McLean

Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jackie McLean's birthday today!
John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean was an alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator, born in New York City. His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw\'s orchestra. After his father\'s death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell... Read more.
Place our ...
read more
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 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 cast ...
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Music
The Moon is Made of Gold
From: Because I LovedBy Al McLean