Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra – Family Suite for Large Ensemble

By Stewart Broomer, Published: October 31, 2012

“Toronto saxophonist Kirk MacDonald is doing a fine job of maintaining the modern big band tradition. His last recording Deep Shadows was a 2012 JUNO nominee and he’s followed it with another performance by his Jazz Orchestra, Family Suite for Large Ensemble (Addo AJR013). Here trombonist Terry Promane has taken on the challenge of arranging MacDonald’s 2008 quartet album Family Suite for an 18-piece band, emphasizing brass lustre with five trumpets and four trombones. Promane successfully adopts MacDonald’s complex original lines to the weightier textures, burnishing them with greater emotional depth, and MacDonald the soloist is clearly inspired anew. The quality of the writing is emphasized by the performances of an all-star band that includes alto saxophonist P.J. Perry, guitarist Lorne Lofsky and trumpeter Kevin Turcotte.”

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Tracks:
1. Dark Autumn Movement I (1:51)
2/3. The Prod/Sister Kim Movements II (6:53) & III (7:17)
4. Four Shades of Darkness Movement IV (9:46)
5. Four Shades of Light Movement V (6:09)
6/7. Chorale/Martha Movements VI (2:14) & VII (5:00)
8. Blues for Jerome Movement VIII (9:16)
9/10. I See Your Face Before Me/Thank You for the Life You Have Given Me Movements IX (6:34) & X (7:22)
11. Dark Autumn Movement XI (reprise) (2:15)

All compositions by Kirk MacDonald
Recorded January 7 & 8, 2012 at Humber Recording Studios, Toronto, Ontario
Released May 1, 2012

Saxophone: PJ Perry, Luis Deniz, Kirk MacDonald, Pat LaBarbera, Perry White
Trumpet and Flugelhorn: Jason Logue, Brian O’Kane, Rob Smith, Kevin Turcotte, Joe Sullivan
Trombone: Al Kay, Terry Promane, Kelsley Grant, Collin Murray
Rhythm Section: Lorne Lofsky (g), Nancy Walker (p), Neil Swainson (b), Barry Romberg (d)
Orchestrated by: Terry Promane

Produced by Steve Bellamy and Kirk MacDonald
Recording Engineer: Kenny MacDonald
Mixed and mastered by Steve Bellamy
CD Layout and Design – Lucie Frigault
CD Liner Notes – Lorne Lofsky & Terry Promane
Photos – Lucie Frigault

Label: ADDO Recordings AJR013