Search - Kirk Macdonald :: The Revellers

The Revellers

Franklin Carter | Toronto, Canada | 12/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Kirk MacDonald perform at least three times in jazz clubs in Toronto in 2004. I saw him play twice at the Rex on Queen Street West and once at the Montreal Bistro on Sherbourne Street. I was blown away all three times. Not one minute of MacDonald's playing bored me.



I subsequently picked up this CD, which was recorded in 1990. The CD features MacDonald on saxophone, Sam Noto on trumpet, Steve Wallace on bass, Mark Eisenman on piano and Jerry Fuller on drums. They play several of MacDonald's compositions ("224 Blues" and "Carnival") as well as pieces by the Gershwin brothers ("But Not for Me" and "Embraceable You") and Andre White ("The Devil"). They also play Simon Bernier's "Poinciana," an old classic. The music is by turns melodic, reflective and energetic. "Carnival" and "The Devil" are particularly good.



Kirk MacDonald is probably one of the best jazz saxophonists in Canada. I can't understand why more people haven't heard him (or why he hasn't released a live recording). But if you're interested in hearing contemporary jazz that lifts you up, check out this CD. You won't be disappointed.

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