MP3 Jim Brenan - The Spectre
Dynamic, contemporary, original compositions influenced by post-Coltrane masters.
8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Weird Jazz, JAZZ: Bebop
Details:
+ Jim Brenan established himself as a top-notch performer and educator in the Canadian jazz community before accepting the position of Coordinator of Jazz Studies at The School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Auckland. His time was well spent in the south pacific having performed and recorded with new Zealands most talented Jazz musicians. After completing two years in new Zealand Jim decided to return to Canada and accept the position of coordinator of credit music at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta.
+ Mr. Brenan holds a Bachelor in Jazz Studies from St. Francis Xavier University and a Masters in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he studied with renowned master saxophonist Ralph Bowen.
+ Jim has recorded two CD''s under his own name the most recent titled "the Spectre". "...this album is the result four like minded musicians recording music they love to play, it showcases the dynamic nature of Brenan''s saxophone virtuosity, and the overall ease with which the band performs together". The new CD features Western Canada''s best jazz musicians; Chris Andrew Piano, Rubim de Toledo Bass, and Ron Samsom Drums with compositions by all members of the band.
LINER NOTES by Ralph Bowen
"It comes as no surprise to me that Jim Brenan is reaching even higher ground on this, his second solo CD. It''s commonly held that talent alone does not lead to greatness. That is to say, without determination and dedication, talent can simply fade away. A well-seeded garden requires constant irrigation, weeding and pruning in order to lead to a plentiful harvest. Likewise, it''s the day after day practice, self-analysis, and repetition that ultimately equip the talented musician to reach a level of consistency and new heights. Jim has impressed me as being such a person since we met in 1993 when he began his graduate work at Rutgers University. His level of dedication was unprecedented and set a standard for every MM saxophone student to ever follow. The Spectre demonstrates both Jim''s mastery of the saxophone and composition. Like a gourmet meal, the ultimate dining experience, a great musical idea depends on a smooth, effortless delivery with a constant attention to detail, set within a composition that inspires the performer to journey outside the lines. Jim and his band mtes draw on a variety of influences including the atypical to construct an exciting musical set. Each track is filled with spontaneity and interaction making repeated listening feel like a new experience. I encourage you to relax and enjoy an inspired, artistic, skillfully performed and well-delivered recording."
Ralph Bowen 2006
+ Jim has an extremely active performing/recording career and has been heard across Canada with P.J. Perry, Randy Brecker, Tommy Banks, The Brenan Brothers, and Latin sensation Bomba (recipient of Galaxie rising Star Award) and the United States and Europe as the lead tenor saxophone with The Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau Band. As a member of this band Jim also performed with Diane Schuur and recorded for the Concord record label as a featured soloist on the “Big City Rhythms” big band album.