Therrien

Jazz, Period. - "La Soledad" with Rachel Therrien & Al McLean

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• published: 16 Dec 2013
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In this installment of Jazz, Period., Al McLean is joined by the young Montreal trumpeter Rachel Therrien. Therrien's original ballad "La Soledad" provides the perfect jumping off point for the pair of improvisers, and we're treated to a somewhat rare McLean alto feature, and a rarer still cornet outing by the popular Therrien. It is notable that Al McLean's appearance on this fine 1932 Conn New York style 6M alto was nothing short of courageous. Al inspected the instrument with just a few hours to go before the downbeat. "It lights up like a Christmas tree", he remarked after inserting a leak light into the horn. In keeping with the spirit of Jazz, Period. films, we often present unusual vintage horns, but they are thoroughly vetted and rebuilt if needed. In the case of saxes, the work is done by McLean himself. To my surprise, Al still wanted to play the Conn on camera, despite its obvious need for an overhaul. I suppose it is a testament to the fine instrument that it possesses such a wonderful voice, even in its unrestored state. But more importantly, full props to Al McLean, who managed on the instrument. If you listen carefully, you can hear McLean wrestle with a few notes, but his playing is profoundly musical, and demonstrates this resourceful player's "take no prisoners" attitude. Hats off as well to Rachel Therrien, who makes her debut in a Jazz, Period. film, also on an unfamiliar instrument. Exclusively a trumpet player, Therrien can be heard here on a 1938 Martin Handcraft cornet. This film marks the first time she has played a cornet in concert, and she extracts a beautiful sound from the horn. La Soledad composed by Rachel Therrien Al McLean - Saxophone Rachel Therrien - Cornet Mike De Masi - Bass Mat MacEachern - Drums Sean Fyfe - Piano Filmed at Diese Onze Jazz Club, November 20, 2013 Thanks to Gary Tremblay & Robin Bruneau and Twigg Musique Filmed and edited by Randy Cole Steadycam operator - Joshua Hansen