Home » Jazz News » Award / Grant

162

Jazz Flutist, Bill McBirnie, Wins At The TIMAs

Source:

Sign in to view read count
The album, “Mercy," The Bill McBirnie Duo/Quartet (featuring Robi Botos), won the award for Best Jazz at the 2009-2010 TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Awards). Bill thanks the musicians, all of whom made this outcome possible—namely, Robi Botos (piano), Pat Collins (bass) and John Sumner (drums). In addition, Bill extends special thanks to co-producer, Pacy Shulman of Hilo Studio, who not only engineered but also mixed as well mastered “Mercy." Pacy's workmanship was genuinely acoustic with absolute fidelity to the nature and quality of the musical undertaking (which consisted simply of two blowing sessions). The other TIMA nominees for the Best Jazz category were as follows: The Steve Koven Trio, The Brownman Electryc Trio, Jan Sagar and Rhonda Silver. A full listing of the TIMA award winners and nominees is located here: http://torontoima.com/newith]

Some Reaction to Mercy:

“I have been listening to your record, non-stop, for the past two days and I can only say, it is AMAZING...Fantastic!..." —SIR JAMES GALWAY (December 2009)

“Clean, pure, bebop flute. Played with disgusting control and shameless ease. You are a bad boy! And then Robi Botos. That guy is a killer!" —HENDRIK MEURKENS (December 2009)

“It is mostly McBirnie who takes a stellar turn throughout sharing the spotlight with Robi Botos who is also flawless...But McBirnie is the record's hero. In an unassuming manner, he has recast the way the flute is played. His breathing is easy and sustained and his control is complete. Moreover, he is genuinely one of the most creative flutists...Mercy is a true gem... —RAUL D'GAMA ROSE (Senior Editor, AAJ)

“The diversity in styles, from trad jazz to Latin, does not in any way affect the unity of the recording's theme but creates a unique multifaceted whole thanks to McBirnie's versatility and superlative musicianship...McBirnie swings hard during the up-tempo pieces and shows remarkable sensitivity without losing the creative edge during the duets and ballads with Botos." —HRAYR ATTARIAN (AllThatJazz.com)

“McBirnie's explorations are luminous as he makes each note glow—the shades and the contrasts as transparent as the emotion and the verve...So, with each track carving its own beguiling niche, the music is, to put it quite simply, awesome!" —JERRY D'SOUZA (AllAboutJazz.com)

“In both duo and quartet formats, McBirnie dazzles...In every instance, his 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)

..."Effortless rhythmic note placement...fleet and inspired...weaving creative, satisfying, constantly developing melodic lines in masterly fashion...Both the duo and quartet delight and surprise...Mercy is yet another classic hour of top jazz flute in the McBirnie acoustic tradition." —JIM LANGABEER (Flute Focus)

“[Mercy] offers a dozen-track, dazzling display of technique, dynamic range and stunning musicality...This is not neo-jazz comfort food but rather a feast of elegantly executed ideas with a live concert vibe...Add quick-witted interplay, adventurous flow, bluster and sophistication and this disc is a keeper." —GEOFF CHAPMAN (WholeNote Magazine)

“A diverse selection of sparkling contemporary jazz that commands serious attention...An amazing performance ably supported by the unique pianist, Robi Botos..." EDWARD BLANCO (ejazznews.com)

“This new album of Bill's demonstrates that the flute is in the hands of a virtuoso who, beyond any doubt, is able to perform in virtually any style...and it is no accident that the cover of the album itself underscores the contribution of pianist, Robi Botos. The role and impact that this bright young pianist brings to the entire project cannot be overstated. His style and technique is unmistakably reminiscent of the unforgettable Oscar Peterson, so the duos—with just Robi and Bill—are, for me, highlights of the album." —LEONID AUSKERN (Jazz Quad, Nestor Publishing, Russia)

“Bill McBirnie's new recording, Mercy, has been receiving impressive reviews. I have long regarded Bill as the finest flautist in Canada and his recent CD simply confirms my opinion. Whatever groove he decides to play in, its perfection. A true technician and master of his instrument." —DAVE MILBOURNE (Toronto Jazz)

“There are both hard swinging and tender moments with alternate stops in between in this varied program...A gale force wind from the Great White North..." —IRA GITLER (Apple Chorus, Jazz Inside NY, February 2010)

Visit Website | Purchase

Comments

Tags

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.