MP3 Fieldtrip - JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo

Forward-thinking original jazz featuring a talented and promising young ensemble with incredible depth and maturity.

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo, WORLD: African



Details:
Description of the CD:

This is a debut recording for the Montreal based trio. Produced with the participation of the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts, the CD features seven unique and energetic original compositions and a haunting arrangement of the rare Duke Ellington gem, âFleurette Africaineâ. The seven diverse originals were written by bassist Patrick Reid in response to four months he spent volunteering and traveling in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia in 2006. In his liner notes Reid describes each piece as âa humble attempt at capturing a specific time, place, person, feeling or energy that I experiencedâ¦Africa and Africans have taught me to unconditionally let my guard down and express myself openly; to listen intently, learn constantly and love fearlessly.â

Fieldtrip showcases a talented and promising young ensemble with incredible depth and maturity. In addition to their strong performances, they are also joined by celebrated tenor saxophonist Chet Doxas. An outstanding member of the Montreal jazz scene, Mark Miller (Globe and Mail) describes Doxasâs playing as âmatureâ¦well beyond his yearsâ and Katie Malloch (CBCâs Jazz Beat)calls him âa future jazz star in the makingâ. All of these aspects contribute to create a stunning album that successfully balances diverse and unique repertoire with a clear and focused direction. Fieldtrip is a gratifying listen from start to finish and an impressive debut for this talented cast of young Canadian jazz musicians.

Reviews:

"Three McGill jazz grads make fine hay in mostly free jazz territory, managing â unlike most â to keep melodic and fresh content high in musings ranging from moody-broody to volatile. The Montreal-based trio, explores eight tunes, with all but Duke Ellington's well-done "Fleurette Africaine" the result of resonant bassist Patrick Reid's imaginative recall of visiting East Africa. The group's edgy but accessible sound hints at multi-genre influences and is always interesting thanks to alto saxophonist Colin Power's bold ideas and fierce execution and drummer Mark Nelson's rhythmic games. Top track: "Stonetown," with biting tenor aid from rising star guest Chet Doxas."

- Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star

"Fieldtrip reveals a strong chemistry on its self-titled debut album..."

- Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal

"Fieldtrip's debut CD tells you everyhting you need to know about these three very talented musicians who get on very well with each other. The music of all originals by bassist Patrick Reid, whose pen you'll hear from again in years to come no doubt, is inspired by the four months he spent exploring the glorious continent of Africa. I have great respect for artists like Reid who choose to express great human exerience through their music, to share the freedom of his voice, something he says he learnt through Africa and Africans.

Each player has a distinctive voice to contribute to the ensemble. Colin Power has an undeniably unique alto sound that you never get tired of and great ideas that are honest and musical. Drummer Mark Nelson has a natural feel everyone wants to experience and adds just the right grooves that blend traditional sounds with more percussive ideas. And Patrick Reid certainly shines on solos. Some of the tunes open with brilliant bass solos that lead to outstanding thematic statements. Great tunes by three great players who as a unit have created a voice of their own."

- Michelle Gregoire, composer and pianist.

Ensemble Bio:

Fieldtrip was born in September '05 one fine day in a sunny apartment on the east side of Parc la Fontaine, Montreal. All recent graduates of McGill University's jazz performance program where they first met, they continue to put out a diverse array original sounds stemming from an eclectic buffet of influences. With plenty of momentum garnered from participating in this yearâs winter residency program at the Banff Centre for the Arts, they will be showcasing their debut album across Canada this spring.

Artist Bios:

Colin Power â

Originally from Winnipeg, Colin now resides permanently in Montreal. Some performance highlights include appearances with Jane Bunnett, Phil Woods and Jeff Johnston.

Patrick Reid â

Originally from Charlottetown, Patrick now resides in Montreal and has performed with Christine Jensen, Dave Restivo, Kevin Dean and many others.

Mark Nelson â
Originally from Calgary, Mark now resides permanently in Montreal and has performed with the likes of Andy Milne, Sage Reynolds and Remi Bolduc.