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Songbook Vol. 2

by Kirk MacDonald Quartet

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Comes in a 6-panel CD Sleeve. Includes liner notes , credits, artist photos.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Songbook Vol. 2 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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1.
You See but You Don't Hear 10:28
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2.
Vanda Justina 07:19
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3.
The Torchbearers 08:41
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4.
Starlight 09:12
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5.
Deep Shadows 11:08
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6.
Miniature 07:31
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7.
New Beginnings 10:41
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about

You See But You Don’t Hear - Kirk is a bridge between tradition & modern saxophone playing. He is one of the shining lights in Canada’s jazz scene. This first tune is like a Messiaen mode romp. Kirk is so fluid with runs & lines, & his articulation is in that new way of less tongue & fleet fingers. David’s piano solo is both rhythmic & inventive. He really sets up the atmosphere in his comping where Kirk is playing amazing lines over the top.

Vanda Justina is a beautiful straight 8th’s tune with a very lyrical melody. Kirk starts off easy & after one of his rests goes to another gear & sings. David picks up Kirk’s last motif & plays another inventive solo. Kirk shows his amazing command of the language at the end of the tune.

The Torchbearers There is something very dry in Kirk’s playing - incredible honesty & no funny business. Relentless lines that you want to hear over again as there are so many. David’s piano solo has great breath with its rests & rhythmic motifs. This burner is punctuated by a great drum solo from Barry.

Starlight A medium tempo re-working of the classic standard Stella by Starlight sets the stage for a melodic bass solo from Neil that is relaxed & captivating. Kirk develops his solo & stuns with his double-time & across the time playing. The interplay on this tune is prominent, with a swinging piano solo that provides a great contrast to Kirk’s approach. The melody & changes go to so many places it’s one surprise after another. A great blowing vehicle for the band.

Deep Shadows is a brooding ballad that starts out rubato & then goes into time. David displays his special touch in his solo with articulation that reminds me of well-balanced & mature horn-like phrasing. Kirk comes back in & takes no prisoners. It’s another example of the diversity & detail in the compositions on this CD. One has the feeling that Kirk is very articulate about what he wants. At the same time, he manages to create great vehicles for the band members to develop & stretch.

Miniature Great solo trading from the tenor & piano on this three tonic gem. Each one shows the other how it’s done. The bass solo puts the icing on the cake.

New Beginnings has that Maiden Voyage hypnotic groove going on. After Kirk blows the roof off with his solo, David again provides great contrast by taking a different rhythmic approach. Barry & Neil are amazingly supportive & energized at the same time - this sounds like a band that has played a lot together. Kirk sounds like he has so many ideas that they all converge at the same time & he juggles them around to get them all out. Very impressive!

If you are looking for some modern jazz language to check out, this would be a great CD. Masterful playing & in the present.
Jerry Bergonzi - August 19, 2010

credits

released April 26, 2011

Kirk MacDonald: saxophone
David Virelles: piano
Neil Swainson: bass
Barry Romberg: drums

All compositions by Kirk MacDonald
Produced by Steve Bellamy and Kirk MacDonald
Engineer: Steve Bellamy
Assistant: Nathan Carter Moore
CD Layout and Design: Lucie Frigault
Recorded June 18 – 21, 2009 at Humber Recording Studios in Toronto, Ontario

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Kirk MacDonald Toronto, Ontario

Celebrated Canadian saxophonist Kirk MacDonald has been awarded 2 JUNOs, 6 JUNO nominations, a SOCAN Outstanding Jazz Artist of the Year, & a TMA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has performed on over 50 CDs as leader & sideman alongside such greats as Tom Harrell, Harold Mabern, John Taylor, Pat LaBarbera, Kenny Wheeler, Sam Noto, Dennis Mackrel, & Adam Nussbaum. ... more

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