Bill McBirnie

DOWNBEAT—”…Toronto’s deep pool of local talent was on display at dozens of events…Opening for Eliane Elias, flutist Bill McBirnie proved a passionate and eloquent improviser with sure-footed support from pianist Bernie Senensky. Their set included...a show-stopping finale penned by Senensky...inspired by Hermeto Pascoal and Charlie Parker.” (Allen Morrison)

JAZZTIMES—”Best Opening Act [at the TD Jazz Festival] – Eliane Elias delivered a solid, opening-weekend show at the Old Mill Inn, focusing squarely on selections from her recent Chet Baker tribute, I Thought About You

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DOWNBEAT—”…Toronto’s deep pool of local talent was on display at dozens of events…Opening for Eliane Elias, flutist Bill McBirnie proved a passionate and eloquent improviser with sure-footed support from pianist Bernie Senensky. Their set included...a show-stopping finale penned by Senensky...inspired by Hermeto Pascoal and Charlie Parker.” (Allen Morrison)

JAZZTIMES—”Best Opening Act [at the TD Jazz Festival] – Eliane Elias delivered a solid, opening-weekend show at the Old Mill Inn, focusing squarely on selections from her recent Chet Baker tribute, I Thought About You. But it was the dynamic opening duo of pianist and composer, Bernie Senensky, and flutist, Bill McBirnie, that...truly set the expansive dining room aflame and, ironically, provided far more satisfying dips into the Brazilian songbook...For the uninitiated, check out their 2005 pairing on Paco Paco.” (Christopher Loudon)

JAZZIZ—”...An effervescent, joyous quality pervades The Bill McBirnie Trio's Find Your Place [which] showcases a wide range of grooves, from bop and bossa to gospel and swing…Those new to McBirnie will be amazed at his imagination and originality on this engaging album.” (Mark Holston)

“...A superior jazz flutist...As with many Canadian players, his fame has not often reached below the border into the United States but his music is well worth knowing. He sounds unlike anyone else having developed his own musical personality yet within the traditions of the music. McBirnie has two recent releases, Nature Boy and Paco Paco. Both sets are highly recommended.” (SCOTT YANOW, Los Angeles Jazz Scene)

“Bill McBirnie is one of the finest jazz flute performers in jazz today...His technique is flawless and sensual...Simply excellent!...” (LEE PROSSER, Jazz Review)

“Toronto's Bill McBirnie occupies the rarefied air of jazz flute with a sense of style and swing that sets him apart. There are precious few flutists who can make the instrument burn with musical intensity the way McBirnie does...McBirnie shows a range of emotional colours on both Latin and jazz standards in duo and quartet configurations...McBirnie deserves to be placed alongside Moe Koffman and Herbie Mann in the pantheon of jazz flute.” (ANDY SHEPPARD, After Hours, CBC Radio)

“Include Bill McBirnie as an integral player in Canadian jazz. The Toronto-based flautist has marked his credentials through recordings of his own as well as appearances on albums by Junior Mance, Memo Acevedo and Irakere...Listening to McBirnie also makes his credentials clear. He dips into the nectar of a melody and his dulcet tones rise to trigger the core of his imagination for some really fascinating improvisational flights. These facets are made abundantly clear on Paco Paco...” (JERRY D’SOUZA, All About Jazz)

“Bill McBirnie has a powerful claim to be Canada's best player on flute...What always stands out is his outstanding tone, agile technique and fecund imagination.” (GEOFF CHAPMAN, The Toronto Star)

“I highly recommend Nature Boy. The music is joyous and energetic throughout...I'm just itching to play it for some classical flutists I know. I can't wait to see the expressions on their faces when they hear Bill practically turn the flute inside out on Teaneck.” (MERLIN WILLIAMS, Wholenote Magazine)

“Now that the great Moe Koffman is no longer among us, there's an opening in Canada for an outstanding straight- ahead jazz flutist and, with Nature Boy, Bill McBirnie has submitted his application and staked his claim...In the liner notes, McBirnie is modest about his talents but he needn't be. He has absolutely great chops, a clear sparkling sound and enough luminous ideas to brighten anyone's melancholy frame of mind.” (JACK BOWERS, All About Jazz)

“...With subtle playing, mature and confident swing, beautiful and well-chosen compositions throughout, there is now nothing to stand in the way of Bill McBirnie qualifying for the outstanding reputation he has developed.” (BERENGERE RICHARD, Traversieres Magazine, The Official Magazine of the French Flute Association)

“With a full tone, pin-sharp articulation, the occasional witty quote and some jazz licks that pay a compliment to the listener who can catch them (and which sometimes evaporate before they can be fully identified), McBirnie demonstrates that he is an impressive performer by any standard...This album is a treasure.” (DON SMITH, Night Train, 3RPP FM, Australia)

“Canadian, Bill McBirnie, has good claim to be the instrument's best champion since the late Herbie Mann. A fluid player with a firm command of tone and no interest in the overblown roughness adapted by many flute players after Roland Kirk, McBirnie has his own elegant way with bop, ballads, bossa and gospel.” (RANDAL MCILROY, Style Manitoba)

“McBirnie is indeed a fluid player with a sound and tone that is absolutely as good as it gets.” (JOHN GILBERT, ejazznews.com)

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Primary Instrument

Flute

Location

Toronto

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Typically, the people who come to me for lessons are (1) classical players trying to cross over into jazz and (2) doublers wanting to improve their flute technique for jazz purposes. Other instrumentalists come to me for coaching as well on how I approach improvising. My students genuinely appreciate what I have to offer because it is...singular...often, peculiar to the flute...and, more importantly, it is not in any books!...

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Primary Instrument

Flute

Location

Toronto

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Typically, the people who come to me for lessons are (1) classical players trying to cross over into jazz and (2) doublers wanting to improve their flute technique for jazz purposes. Other instrumentalists come to me for coaching as well on how I approach improvising. My students genuinely appreciate what I have to offer because it is...singular...often, peculiar to the flute...and, more importantly, it is not in any books!...

Clinic/Workshop Information

My clinics are of interest to both flutists and doublers who want to explore and develop the techniques necessary to play in jazz and other non-classical contexts. The focus is on how to alter your technique in order to achieve more convincing and musical results in non- classical settings. We also explore some useful ways to approach the craft of improvising which is of interest to any and all instrumentalists.

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