"A
young lion piano man you can't argue with, it doesn't take any thought
to do a tribute to Herbie Hancock set but it does take being an old soul
to it like he was there when things older than him were created. A well
deserved award winner in many jazz and music circles, Maclean leads his
crew into the untamed wilds of really doing right rather than just showing
up. A smoking set that sounds and feels like the real thing, this forward
into the past set -- where most of the songs are originals -- is a first
class doozy. Killer stuff throughout."
-
Chris Spector, The Midwest Record (Illinois, USA) - See
full article
"From Canada comes
this updated soul jazz in the vein of the Blue Note acid jazz compilations.
Fresh and youthfully joyful reworkings of three Herbie Hancock standards
lead the disc off before we settle into several of pianist Maclean's own
compositions. Key to the sound is the gloriously expressive trumpeter Brownman
Ali, who contributes one of his own tunes here, the funky "Madness of Nero",
as well as producing."
-
Hobart Taylor, KUCI 88.9FM (California, USA) - See
full article
"Maclean's foursome
delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse
conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock's primordial 1960's Blue
Note era recordings featuring Freddie Hubbard, while simultaneously paying
apt tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history."
- Memphis Marty, The Jazz
Music Blog (Australia) - See
full article
"Rites Of Ascension
... here’s a hot CD by a Canadian-based jazz group playing four pieces
by Herbie Hancock mixed in with a plethora of original tunes by the leader
[Nick Maclean] and trumpeter Brownman Ali, clearly one of the more arresting
and individual players I’ve heard in a long time... this band is like a
tonic; they wake you up and put some pep in your step! An outstanding
album, one that should put the Maclean Quartet firmly on the musical map.
No two ways about it, the Nick Maclean Quartet has staked out its claim
in the jazz world and intends to stick around."
-
Lynn Rene Bayley, The Art Music Lounge (Cincinnati, USA) - See
full article
"This twenty-something
Toronto based pianist will be largely unknown to Australian audiences,
but with albums like this along with his other project ‘Snaggle’ likened
to Snarky Puppy, Maclean’s trajectory can only be upward. Personal expression
and fun are the hallmarks of Nick Maclean’s music and both are in abundance
here. The overly familiar ‘Cantaloupe Island’ opens the album but Maclean’s
arrangement uses chromatic colours to put his stamp on the Hancock hit.
Trumpeter Brownman Ali, with his crystalline tone, controlled vibrato and
precise facility tips his hat to Hubbard while accelerating ‘Driftin’ into
double time. Samples of Hancock voicing wisdom are used to colour some
Maclean original’s which allow the album to ascend from a platform of the
past into the music of tomorrow. The highlight is the contribution from
Ali ‘Madness of Nero’ which seems to encompass all the stylistic elements
of the album into one piece including samples from philosopher Christopher
Hitchens."
-
Peter Wockner, Jazz and Beyond (Australia) - See
full article
"Pianist Nick Maclean
delivers a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s 60s Blue Note with a collection
of interpretations and originals. His team of Brownman Ali/tp, Jesse Dietschi/b
and Tyler Goertzen/dr is up for the task, with Ali tapping into his inner
Freddie Hubbard on sleek reads of 'One Finger Snap' and 'Cantaloupe
Island' while he skates over Goertzen’s brushes with aplomb on 'Tell
Me A Bedtime Story.' Maclean’s own compositions are quite strong, flowing
on the ballad 'Feral Serenity' and Brownman gets the team into a
funky mood on his own 'Madness of Nero.' Dietschi does some nice work on
'Goldberg Machine' and the team develops infectious grooves as on 'Elasticity
of Time and Space.' Respectful, but not deferential."
-
George W Harris, Jazz Weekly (California, USA) - See
full article
"Rites of Ascention
[...] is a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s elemental 1960s Blue Note era recordings,
and a daring original musical statement on its own. ... These four musicians
[...] have a great synergy and drive, and some serious chops. Their renditions
of Hancock’s four classics are full of energy and forward momentum while
managing to retain the unhurried character of the earlier compositions.
Maclean’s creative mind and aesthetics are obvious in every aspect of this
album, his piano solos both lyrical and invigorating, supported by a stellar
rhythm section. The album features fiercely strong trumpet solos from Brownman
Ali, indicative of Freddie Hubbard’s style at times and distinctively unique."
-
Ivana Popovic, The WholeNote (Toronto, Canada) - See
full article
"Nick’s mighty mellow
keyboards lead this dynamic quartet, through a series of high-energy originals
and re-imagined Hancock tunes in an album that just demands to be in your
long-term collection… if you’re like me, though, you’ll be pushing this
out to your player & listening to it every time you take a cruise…
folks, if you ain’t snappin’ all five of those digits along with the heavy
rhythm on this one, you are NOT the “jazz fan” you claim to be... Ali’s
trumpet just SHINES [and] it was an easy pick for personal favorite of
the eleven songs offered up -- Brownman’s original, “Madness Of Nero“,
the longest cut on the album, gives each player a chance to show their
significant chops… it’s certainly the best trumpet-led piece I’ve heard
in 2017. I give Nick & the rest of the quartet a MOST HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this thrilling
jazz adventure."
-
Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation (Washington, USA) - See
full article
"...Nick MacLean
may have set out to make this a homage to Mr. Hancock, he has, in fact
also paid his proverbial, obligatory dues to the venerable pianist, he
is ready – and has – moved on very quickly into a musical territory that
has rightfully claimed as his own. “Goldberg Machine and “Elasticity of
Time and Space” are two of the highest “highs” on this record. Each melody
is so lyrical that often during the choruses one feels as if there is a
spectral voice somewhere, “singing out the melody”. This is Mr. Maclean’s
music, evocative of the poetry of feeling. It is also a great fortune to
have fellow rhythmists in bassist Jesse Dietschi and drummer Tyler Goertzen
along for the ride. And what a thrill it appears to be to have Brownman
Ali to be the other lead voice on this recording. The trumpeter’s burnished
notes – even those articulated using a wah-wah pedal effect – make for
gleaming phrases and his solo on his original, “Madness of Nero” is utterly
memorable...this music does more than just swing delightfully, but also
seeks to reflect on more profound aspects of human existence. This together
with the fact that you will be hard-pressed to find another production
this good makes Rites of Ascension quite as unforgettable."
-
Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report (Toronto, Canada) - See
full article
"Rites Of Ascension
is one of the best [recordings] I have heard this year (and I receive about
60 + per month). Well above average, and that Brownman Ali is just
fantastic and sure rings a bell for me! Nick Maclean's compositions
and renditions of Herbie's stuff is of the highest standard. Bring
them to Montreal please!"
-
Richard Therien at CKVL 100.1FM (Montreal, Canada)
"With a balanced
mix of originals and arrangements of well-known modern standards, this
quartet is a joy to listen to and has a stunning group chemistry." 9.5/10
rating
-
Adorjan Horvat, Staccatofy Magazine - See
full article
"We first heard of
pianist and composer Nick Maclean in association with Snaggle, a Toronto
based fusion band. We were impressed with his effort there and even more
so in this effort as a leader with bassist Jesse Dietschi, Brownman Ali
on trumpet, and drummer Tyler Goertzen. Rites of Ascension includes four
re-crafted Hancock tunes as Nick is clearly influenced by the master, a
good thing! The covers are fresh and Maclean’s original work allows further
expression of his identity. The quartet is a tight unit and Ali’s melodies
are crisp with rich tone. We enjoyed the entire set and kept it in our
rotation for several weeks. It’s still in the changer!"
-
O's Place Jazz Magazine - See
full article
"The depth of the
synergistic connectivity between all 4 hand-picked members of Maclean’s
quartet are a cornerstone to the ensemble’s sound and group dynamic. Thus
its completion represents Maclean’s examination of the modern jazz ethos
with all the intriguing challenges, opportunities and possibilities that
go with it."
-
Jazz Blues News Space - See
full article
"Nick Maclean's "Rites
Of Ascension" is nicely twisted and baked! A fresh look at Herbie
Hancock classics and delicious new original themes all presented with taste
and virtuosity. No safety net here, everyone is living on the edge.
Nick's playing and writing is sublime, Brownman sounds ferocious and the
rhythm section is an unstoppable force. This is truly jazz at it’s
adventurous best. I love the music these guys make. You will
too.
-
Bruce Cassidy (Blood, Sweat & Tears Musical Director '04-'09, renonwed
EVI player)
"Nick Maclean stands
out for me as one of the most gifted young Toronto pianists to come along
in the last few years. His combination of raw creativity and a well studied
grasp of the technical and theoretical aspects of music makes for a powerful
musical statement."
-
Adrean Farrugia, Juno Award winning jazz pianist
"This recording is
everything a true “tribute” should be – homage to the inspiration and influence
the towering figure of Herbie Hancock has provided to this young pianist,
expressed through a voice that is very much one’s own. Nick Maclean’s
is a voice we should all look forward to hearing more from."
-
Dave Restivo, Canadian Jazz Piano icon
"Many describe Nick
Maclean as a "rising star", but those of us that heard him this afternoon
think otherwise -- *that* star has "already" risen! Not to mention elite
trumpeter Brownman Ali, Nick Arsenault (b), and Mike Rajna (d). Awesome
guys!!!"
-
Markham Jazz Festival 2018 (Markham, Canada), from post-show
Facebook Post
Jazz jounalist Alayne
McGregor of OttawaJazzScene.ca profiles Nick Maclean, delving into NICK
MACLEAN QUARTET's origins & influences:
"Nick
Maclean Performs a Love Letter to Herbie Hancock"
OttawaJazzScene.ca
names NICK MACLEAN QUARTET the pick of the week - Feb 12-19, 2018
"Nick
Maclean and Brownman Ali reunite this Saturday"
Jazz journalist Alayne
McGregor of OttawaJazzScene.ca talks to Nick Maclean about SNAGGLE and
the band's genesis:
"Nick
Maclean and Snaggle embrace ideas from diverse eras and styles"
Jazz journalist Peter
Hum of the Ottawa Citizen interview:
"Five
questions for Nick Maclean"
|
Lynn
Rene Bayley - Art Music Lounge (Cincinnati, USA)
Raul
Da Gama - Toronto Music Report (Toronto, Canada)
Alayne
McGregor - OttawaJazzScene.ca
(Ottawa,
Canada)
Peter
Hum - Ottawa Citizen
(Ottawa,
Canada)
.
|