Further Reading
5th May 2023
Our jazz recording of the week is the debut release from the seven-piece ensemble of award-winning and established Canadian jazz musicians, which was recorded at the iconic MPS Records studio in Villingen, Germany.
Canadian Jazz Icons Kirk MacDonald, Lorne Lofsky and Derrick Gardner Form The Canadian Jazz Collective and Announce Debut Album 'Septology - The Black Forest Session', recorded analogue in the MPS-Studio (Black Forest) HGBS Blue Records is proud to announce the LP-release of Septology - The Black Forest Session by the newly assembled all-star ensemble, the Canadian Jazz Collective.
The CJC is fronted by three of Canada's most acclaimed and accomplished jazz treasures: saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, guitarist Lorne Lofsky and trumpeter Derrick Gardner. Augmented by clarinetist Virginia MacDonaldand supported by a noted rhythm section comprised of pianist Brian Dickinson, bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Bernd Reiter, this innovative septet takes a collaborative approach to the presentation of original Canadian jazz, and blends the unique artistic visions of the leaders into one creative and cohesive voice.
Today, Canada continues to be a reliable source for some of the world's best jazz artists, with a robust and vibrant musical scene. The Canadian Jazz Collective strives to uphold that tradition, and to display their virtuosic, world-class artistry through the performance of original work. "The idea is to put together musicians with a similar aesthetic, who approach the music with openness and respectfulness of each other's personalities, and to bring them to the forefront," shares MacDonald, adding, "it's the idea that the whole should be greater than the sum of the parts."
Simply put, MacDonald, Gardner and Lofsky are icons of Canadian jazz. Kirk MacDonald, a 2x Juno Award winner and recipient of the Toronto Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the most well-established Canadian musicians of his generation. Having appeared on over 50 albums as either leader or sideman, MacDonald's influence and reach cannot be overstated. Chicago-native Derrick Gardnerhas performed with a who's-who of jazz greats as well as some of the most revered large ensembles in jazz including the Count Basie Orchestra and Frank Foster's Loud Minority Band. Lorne Lofsky is a master guitarist known for his pianistic voicings and virtuosic skill and a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet.
