"Convergence" from NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat. BROWNMAN ALI

"Convergence" is the sophomore release from the Nick Maclean Quartet feat. Brownman Ali and continues a modern re-imagining of the spirit of Herbie Hancock's primordial 60s quartet, extending many of the ideas from their debut critically acclaimed 2017 recording "Rites of Ascension" ("...you will be hard-pressed to find another production this good..." Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report). Evolution abounds throughout this 2nd recording, with greater cross-pollinated experimentation between genres (funk, hip hop, cuban), more sophisticated & intricate writing from Maclean's pen, and further exploration of Herbie Hancock's classic cannon. As per their 1st album, the depth of synergistic connectivity between the 4 hand-picked members of Maclean's quartet are again a cornerstone to the ensemble's sound and group dynamic. Maclean advances his examination of the modern jazz ethos here with a crew unafraid of taking risks in the pursuit of collective narrative exploration and personal expression.

Led by 10x Global Music Award winning jazz pianist Nick Maclean, the Nick Maclean Quartet feat. Brownman Ali "...delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock's primordial 1960's Blue Note era recordings featuring Freddie Hubbard..." (Memphis Marty, Jazz Music Blog, Australia).  Maclean's quartet heavily features one of Canada's most provocative improvising trumpet players -- Brownman Ali, heralded as "Canada's preeminent jazz trumpet player" by New York City's Village Voice, and best known globally as the last trumpet player with the legendary jazz-hip-hop group GURU's JAZZMATAZZ. Ali & Maclean stand shoulder to shoulder with two of Canada's top-tier rhythm section 20-somethings: Ben Duff on bass (Toronto) and Jacob Wutzke on drums (Montreal), drummer for 2x JUNO award winner Caity Gyorgy. The collective synergy of these four is always on full display and gives "Convergence" a freshness abound with interplay and inventiveness.

"Convergence" received support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Toronto Arts Council, and qualifies under MAPL certification as 'Canadian content'.

"Convergence" officially releases on Browntasauras Records in Canada on Fri-Oct-27, 2023, and internationally on Fri-Nov-24, 2023