Joel Miller -][- SWIM – [Origin Records, 2012] –

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Fraser Hollins, Geoffrey Keezer, Greg Ritchie, Joel Miller, Saxophone

Joel Miller, SWIM

Joel Miller -][- SWIM –MP3– [Origin Records, 2012] –

“…the best album of Québécois jazz launched in 2012.” – Alain Brunet, La Presse

A driving force in the international jazz scene, Montreal-based saxophonist Joel Miller’s newest recording, and first on Origin, proves he’s not just a musician for those in-the-know any longer. Teaming with the mighty pianist Geoffrey Keezer, drummer Greg Ritchie, and Fraser Hollins on bass, the quartet delivers a set of tight-knit originals. A complete, accessible, yet thoroughly modern jazz statement from a band of artists at the top of their game.

“His solos are supremely melodic – think of Stan Getz, or of John Coltrane at his most wistful.” – Toronto Globe and Mail.

..:: SOURCE: OriginArts.com ::..

Curtis MacDonald -][- COMMUNITY IMMUNITY

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Andrea Tynic, Becca Stevens, Chris Tordini, Curtis McDonald, David Virelles, Greg Ritchie, Jazz, Jeremy Viner, Michal Vanoucek, Saxophone, Travis Reuter

Curtis MacDonald -][- COMMUNITY IMMUNITY – [Greenleaf Music, 2011] Music Review

Saxophonist Greg Osby said, “Curtis MacDonald is a saxophonist of note, one who is worthy of great recognition.”

From the meeting, it was obvious within a lingering few notes of “COMMUNITY IMMUNITY” Curtis MacDonald was here to solidify his presence as a composer and saxophonist to immediately challenge virtually any new and seasoned jazz enthusiast who dare travel this path with this intriguing, young and inventive artist from Alberta, Canada.

Currently residing in New York, MacDonald debuts with the innovative yet fundamentally sound “COMMUNITY IMMUNITY” on Greenleaf Music. The album title derives from the idea of belonging to a community of talented musicians, this of course is crucial particularly for aspiring musicians.

While listening to this auspicious array of songs by MacDonald, I noticed the selections composed by him are very short in length. Maybe it’s a standard or unwritten rule for artists in this genre to record songs that are decidedly longer. Nonetheless, MacDonald was obviously moved to do otherwise and focus more on substance whether then appearance which is a quite refreshing approach to recording modern jazz and improvised music that boldly reflects the energy of his creative soul.