Reminiscence

AMG Review of Reminiscence

Dave Nathan
All Music Guide

Cutting an album limited to originals can be a tricky, risky proposition -- in order to attract the attention of the public, an album usually needs to have at least a couple songs that the public recognizes since many like to compare their performances with those of other jazz artists in their collection. The outstanding Canadian tenor saxophonist Kirk MacDonald has no trepidation in ignoring this conventional wisdom with the release of Reminiscence, made up of a play list of eight of his originals. There is a wide variety of jazz styles embedded in his compositions, including bop, blues, and swing. The album is "reminiscent"' of the great blowing sessions of the 1950s and 1960s, which usually featured such jazz luminaries as John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Sonny Rollins. MacDonald's "Moulage" captures the feel and excitement of these germinal sessions and is one of the album's highlights. On many cuts, MacDonald and group indulge in a seamless, creative stream-of-consciousness playing. Ideas seem to burst from the horn as he maneuvers through intricate chord changes and melodies. This style is especially evident on the title tune, "Deep Shadows," and "Moon in Pisces," where MacDonald and his colleagues provide thoughtful and soulful musical offerings. Swing takes over when the group undertakes a seven-minute excursion through musical images of the Big Apple with "Manhattan Getaway." Drummer Bob McLaren gets a lengthy drum solo and manages to avoid the monotony that all too often characterizes a long drum solo. The beauty of a slow, tantalizing Latin beat is captured in "Portrait of Lucie." MacDonald is joined on this session by other excellent musicians with whom he has performed on other occasions, and with whom he shares a single purpose when it comes to performing. The only explanation is that "Reminiscence" and "For Melvin" were composed in memory of two friends. Perhaps he felt that the music is better served if listeners are allowed to create their own pictures as they listen.