The Revellers, by Kirk MacDonald

The Revellers

by Kirk MacDonald

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1.	224 Blues 06:16	buy track
2.	Forward Motion 05:23	buy track
3.	Body and Soul 07:14	buy track
4.	Turning Point 04:29	buy track
5.	The Devil 06:07	buy track
6.	Embraceable You 03:10	buy track
7.	Sweet Spot 08:49	buy track
8.	Poinciana 06:17	buy track
9.	The Revellers 06:39	buy track
10.	Carnival 07:42	buy track
11.	But Not for Me 13:14	buy track

about

Kirk MacDonald's first album as a leader is a hard driving-blowing session, with an occasional break in the action for a ballad. But even the ballads have that John Coltrane edge to them as the players inventively weave in and out and up and around the melody line. This session features 4 standards and 7 originals, all but one of the latter written by one of the performers. MacDonald gets his playing directions from the heavyweights of Hard Bop saxophone John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, with some of Joe Henderson's mannerisms apparent as well. But he shows his individual creativity on "Poinciana" where his tenor takes on the robust, full sound of a baritone player. Mark Eisenman's piano plays a transitional role as MacDonald moves back and forth between playing the melody straight and improvising. MacDonald receives steady, solid support from his musical comrades throughout this session. Especially prominent is Sam Noto's hard driving trumpet, both in the solo mode and in ensemble work, as on "Carnival."Steve Wallace's bass does much more than keep time, as shown his dexterous fingering on "Sweet Spot." A 13 minute plus "But Not for Me" is done almost as a round, with MacDonald and Noto constantly trading ideas as they musically discuss this classic. While enough room is allowed on each track for individual expression, anarchy does not reign. Sufficient structure is maintained to keep the playing cohesive, meaningful and therefore, entertaining. As long as Kirk MacDonald continues to ply his musical wares, the bop flame will continue to glow. - AllMusic Review by Dave Nathan

credits

released November 8, 2018

Kirk MacDonald: tenor saxophone
Sam Noto: trumpet
Mark Eisenman: piano
Steve Wallace: bass
Jerry Fuller: drums

Recorded: March 18 and 19, 1990 at Jazz Partners Studios, Toronto
Engineered by: John MacLeod
Produced, edited and mastered by: Andre Whité
Original artwork by: Lucie Frigault

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about

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