“A dreamy and sumptuous blend of peace, calm, and tranquility.”
Reflections (for Paul Horn) is now available at BandCamp, iTunes and all other major retailers.
In Bill McBirnie’s latest Extreme Flute digital release, the flutist extraordinaire delivers a captivating and intoxicating blend of solo flute and alto flute tracks that are heartfelt, distinctly nuanced, and impeccably executed.
In addition to the peaceful and tranquil charm of the music is the sound which is absolutely pure and pristine throughout, with an “Inside the Taj Mahal”-esque touch, giving the album a genuinely luscious ambience, from beginning to end. Bill’s reflections are, beyond doubt, a fitting and profound testament to the memory of Paul Horn.
Bill McBirnie – Extreme Flute
Website: http://www.extremeflute.com
BandCamp: https://billmcbirnie-extremeflute.bandcamp.com/
Reflections (for Paul Horn) – Track Listing:
- Reflections 3:47
- Wind & Sky 3:24
- Masada Sunrise 2:48
- Kitten & Moth 4:14
- Coral Garden 4:02
- Awakening 4:11
- Monk’s Strut 2:46
- Ode to Paul 4:06
A Few Reactions to Bill’s Work:
“Dear Maestro McBirnie, …This just blew me away. Great, great playing…Innovative…I have never heard anyone play like this…Great technique and music making. The scales are so even it sounds like [you] wrote the Taffanel scale book…Bill, when you read this, I have to take my hat off to you. This is great playing by any standard.” SIR JAMES GALWAY
“In both duo and quartet formats, McBirnie dazzles…In every instance, his flute technique is flawless, dynamic and often simply jaw-dropping…McBirnie has been called Canada’s standout jazz flautist. I maintain he is one of the top two or three in the world.” (Mark E. Gallo, JazzReview.com)
“Technical magnificence. McBirnie is one of the best living jazz flautists in the world. Mercy features technically stunning musicianship coupled with powerful emotions that combine grace and beauty, providing a bountiful feast of audio delight.” (Paul J. Youngman, All About Jazz)
DOWNBEAT—”Opening for Eliane Elias, flutist Bill McBirnie proved a passionate and eloquent improviser with sure-footed support from pianist Bernie Senensky. Their set included a showstopping finale penned by Senensky, inspired by Hermeto Pascoal and Charlie Parker.” (Allen Morrison)
JAZZTIMES—”Best Opening Act [at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival]—Eliane Elias delivered a solid, opening-weekend show at the Old Mill Inn…But it was the dynamic opening duo of pianist and composer, Bernie Senensky, and flutist, Bill McBirnie, that…truly set the expansive dining room aflame…For the uninitiated, check out their pairing on Paco Paco.” (Christopher Loudon)
JAZZIZ—“There’s an effervescent, joyous quality to the dozen takes on Bill McBirnie’s Find Your Place…Those new to McBirnie will be amazed at his inventiveness and the winning charm of this exceptional date” (Mark Holston)
“There are precious few flutists who can make the instrument burn with musical intensity the way McBirnie does…McBirnie shows a range of emotional colors on both Latin and jazz standards in duo and quartet configurations…McBirnie deserves to be placed alongside Moe Koffman and Herbie Mann in the pantheon of jazz flute.” (Andy Sheppard, After Hours, CBC Radio)
