Musicians: Bill McBirnie (flute), Bernie Senensky (piano), Neil Swainson (bass), John Sumner (drums)
Review: Bill McBirnie is a Canadian flutist based in Toronto, Ontario - he is the leader on this Latin tinged and titled recording, Paco Paco. The CD features many classic jazz standards including the title track. The title track, though not yet a standard, is destined to be one some day. The performance, in duo and quartet settings, features some classic jazz masters, Neil Swainson, bass and Bernie Senensky playing piano are joined by John Sumner on drums. The outstanding rhythm section provides the backdrop for a masterful performance of extreme flute playing by an award winning flutist. McBirnie has been chosen flutist of the Year by the Jazz Report Awards, nominated as Instrumentalist of the Year at the National Jazz Awards and has won the 2003 U.S.A. National Flute Association's Jazz Flute Master Class Competition. Bill McBirnie is - Extreme Flute, a world class musician, who plays with classical virtuosity, jazz-swing intensity and Latin Appassionata.
The recording starts out with rhythmic intensity as Sumner lays down a tight clave like rhythm to open the J. Coltrane song “Like Sonny,” introducing Bill McBirnie in a flash of brilliance. He runs the flute through harmonious, melodical phrasing, at times gentle as a breeze, he builds the solo to a gale force wind, never loosing the pleasing, melodic soul of the tune. The piano playing of Bernie Senensky takes over at the midway point, inspirational playing, that creates beauty in every note produced.
Paco Paco swings hard in jazz quartet fashion, especially through the wonderful arrangement found on “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus” composed by Duffield and Webb. The rhythm section, propelled headlong into the glory of the tune by Mr. Senensky, lets loose volley after volley of jazz excitement, as the band transitions from solemn intro, into the style of a march and with slick maneuvering, jazz it up to allow for superb soloing by the leader and his soldiers, until they are miraculously brought back from heaven through master Swainson’s pizzicato tag through to the finale.
The duo selections of flutist, McBirnie and pianist, Senensky, are as you would expect from two masters of their instruments, nothing less than fantastic. Great playing on its own is at times nothing more than show, however when the playing, the interaction, the passion and the obvious love for the music comes through as in these tunes, it is a magical treat. The duo songs, “Hackensack” by Thelonious Sphere Monk, “Doxy” a Sonny Rollins classic, “My Song” the Keith Jarrett ballad and “O Grande Amor” by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes are all performed by McBirnie and Senensky with masterful brilliance and sumptuous beauty.
Paco Paco goes out as it comes in, with excitement and anticipation, the final song of the recording, “O Grande Amor” a Brazilian love song, features a melancholy McBirnie bidding the listeners adieu. With passionate statements from his flute, singing sad refrains in a classically pure voice, Bill McBirnie leaves you wanting more, yes, much more of all these glorious sounds. Bravo Mr. McBirnie.
Tracks: Like Sonny, Hackensack, Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus, Doxy, Bright Mississippi, My Song, Paco Paco, East Of The Sun, This I Dig Of You, Hackensack (reprise), The Great City, O Grande Amor
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