Thursday, June 5, 2014

CANADA: Flute News - June 2014 - Bill McBirnie

Hi, Everyone:

Here are a few new items, each of which is set out in more detail just below my signature:

(1)  RECENT REVIEWS - “FIND YOUR PLACE”

(2)  RUBEN DIAZ - FLAMENCO MAESTRO - A BULERIAS

(3)  UPCOMING GIG LISTING

Thanks very much…(both for reading and listening!)… 
 
Bill McBirnie - Extreme Flute
Phone:  (416) 652-1541
 
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice.  In practice, there is."  (Yogi Berra)


(1)  RECENT REVIEWS - “FIND YOUR PLACE”

The reviews for the new album have been rather slow in coming…but at least they are all favourable…Here are some snippets from a few recent ones:

(i)  “It is clear that these musicians are of very high caliber and qualify fully…on all dimensions, due in no small part to the virtuosity of the leader who simply takes your breath away…Thanks to this talented Canadian flutist, the classic Blue Note ‘60s sound of Jimmy Smith is set in an new dimension, a concept that is realized completely, combining past and present, perfectly.”  Vittorio (MusicZoom, Italy, May 26, 2014))

(ii)  “An ambitious crop of flute players are out there shaking things up nowadays.  Here is one who is taking this instrument into quite different areas. Canadian flautist, Bill McBirnie, isn’t as well-known in American jazz circles, but he’s no slouch…He balances a love of melody with the joy of frolicking as he dashes about with chops-a-plenty in all of his solos…”  Dan Bilawsky (All About Jazz, May 9, 2014))

(iii)  “…[McBirnie’s] earlier albums established him as a virtuoso and his solos here are, once again, a model of creativity and clarity.  His choice of selections for the session…is a balanced cross-section of classics from Cole Porter to Lennon/ McCartney via Horace Silver, Dexter Gordon and Thelonius Monk.  It all works beautifully…This one is a keeper!”  Peter Westbrook  (Pan, Quarterly Journal of the British Flute Society, March 2014)


(2)  RUBEN DIAZ - FLAMENCO MAESTRO - A BULERIAS

A few years ago, I had the good fortune to work with flamenco guitarist, Ruben Diaz, when he was living here in Toronto.  He has since returned to Spain.  Recently, I came across this clip of Ruben which is excellent because it is so characteristic and clear in terms of both seeing, and hearing, what he is capable of (…and he is brilliant!…)  This clip is a little over five-and-a-half minutes.  It is the real deal, a bulerias!  Here is the link: 



(3)  UPCOMING GIG LISTING

[ NOTE:  You can always find a current/updated gig listing at the following link:  http://www.extremeflute.com/contact.html ]

Thurs., Oct. 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Bloom Restaurant
2315 Bloor Street West (Bloor West Village)
Toronto, Ontario
With the LOUIS SIMAO (guitar & vocals) & DANIEL STONE (cajon)
For reservations, please call (416) 767-1315.

Sun., Sept. 7, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Morgans on the Danforth
1282 Danforth Ave. (at Greenwood)
Toronto, Ontario
With STEPHEN GARDNER on keys

Sun., July 27, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Morgans on the Danforth
1282 Danforth Ave. (at Greenwood)
Toronto, Ontario
With STEPHEN GARDNER on keys

Mon., June 30, 2014 at 9:00 & 11:00 p.m.
The Montreal Jazz Festival
Outdoor Venue - TBA
Montreal, Quebec
In concert with EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW

Wed., June 26, 2014 at 9:00 p.m.
Mezzetta Cafe Restaurant
681 St. Clair Ave. W. (at Christie)
Toronto, Ontario
With the great LOUIS SIMAO (guitar & vocals) - Brazilian!

Tues., June 24, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
Morgans on the Danforth
1282 Danforth Ave. (at Greenwood)
Toronto, Ontario
With STEPHEN GARDNER on keys

Sun. & Mon., June 22 & 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Hot House Restaurant
35 Church St.
Toronto, Ontario
With BRENDA CAROL & Clairvoyance

Thurs., June 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Shops at Don Mills
1090 Don Mills Road
Toronto, Ontario
With The LUIS MARIO OCHOA Quintet (including HILARIO DURAN)

Thurs., June 19, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
Special Reunion Concert with MEMO ACEVEDO & The Building Bridges Band

Sun., June 8, 2014 at 8:30 p.m.
Mateca Arts Festival (MAF) - World Music & Multi-Disciplinary Art
University of Toronto, Victoria College, Burwash Quad Park
Toronto, Ontario
With DON NADURIAK's Jambanda (including RUSS LITTLE, ROBERTO RIVERON & JOAQUIN NUNEZ HIDALGO)

Sun., June 8, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.
Jazz Vespers - Christ Church Deer Park
1570 Yonge St.
Toronto, Ontario
With BERNIE SENENSKY