nickmacleanjazz

[nickmacleanjazz]

I'm very thrilled to be playing in the My House 'Junction Jazz Fest' next week! It's a busy week, on Wednesday I'm being featured as part of a Herbie Hancock tribute, Friday I'm dusting off my latin chops to play with Arecibo, Saturday I'm playing a Frank Sinatra tribute with the incomparable Carlo Berardinucci, and then finishing on Sunday with a tribute to prestige-era Miles Davis! It's going to be a great week of music, come out and join us!

Wed-Jun-25, 7pm, $20 adv, $30 door HERBIE HANCOCK TRIBUTE feat. Nick Maclean (classic jazz) TIX: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1387655126839 Herbie Hancock, legendary pianist and composer, revolutionized jazz through his work with Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet and as a pioneer of post-bop, funk, and synth-driven jazz. JUNO nominated piano & synth wizard Nick Maclean, leads a elite synergistic quartet featuring some of Toronto's finest in a 2-set tribute: Set 1 covers Hancock’s Blue Note and Miles-era classics, while Set 2 will dive into the funk-driven grooves of Head Hunters. Buckle up for a night of Herbie you won't forget! :: Nick Maclean - piano & synths :: Brownman Ali - trumpet & effects :: Bennett Young - upright & electric basses :: Adam Mansfield - drums

www.NicholasMaclean.com

Fri-Jun-27, 8pm, $25 adv, $35 door ARECIBO (Latin-jazz) TIX: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1387808826559 This exciting Latin-jazz outfit delves deeply into both Cuban and Brazilian modern jazz traditions, modeled after the New York Latin-jazz spirit of Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band and featuring some of Toronto’s most acclaimed jazz and Latin music specialists, all under the direction of 2x National Jazz Award trumpet player BROWNMAN ALI (who also leads the much lauded Latin-jazz group CRUZAO, winners of the Montreal Jazz Fest's "Grand Prix Du Jazz Award"). :: Brownman Ali - trumpet (Trinidad) :: Nick Maclean -- keyboard (Canada) :: Marc Decho - 6-string electric bass (Canada) :: Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo - drums (Cuba)

www.Arecibo.Brownman.com

Sat-Jun-28, 8pm, $25 adv, $35 door FRANK SINATRA TRIBUTE feat. Carlo Berardinucci (vocal jazz) TIX: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1387852647629 Italian-born, Toronto-based vocalist Carlo Berardinucci is a seasoned jazz singer known for his velvety baritone and classic interpretations of the Great American Songbook. His 30+ year career includes being the featured vocalist with the Dan Bodanis Big Band and a 2008 album "She Made Me Do It" showcasing his flair for timeless ballads and jazz standards. In this tribute, he channels the spirit and style of Frank Sinatra with elegance and swing, backed by some of the top-shelf jazz musicians in the country including multiple JUNO Award nominees Nick Maclean & Brownman Ali. :: Carlos Berardinucci - vocal :: Brownman Ali - trumpet :: Nick Maclean - keyboard :: Bennett Young - upright bass :: Frank Botos - drums

www.Carlo.Browntasauras.com

Sun-Jun-29, 4pm (jazz matinee), $20 adv, $30 door MILES DAVIS: The PRESTIGE YEARS (classic jazz) TIX: www.eventbrite.ca/e/1387724524409 Hailed as “one of the greatest interpreters of Miles Davis' work in Canada” (Hamilton Spectator), multi award-winning trumpet iconoclast Brownman Ali leads a tribute to a pivotal chapters in Miles'history. From 1951 to 1956, Miles would record a string of groundbreaking albums for Prestige Records, including Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’, and Steamin’ -- music that blended bebop virtuosity with a cool, lyrical sensibility that reshaped modern jazz. Brownman and a selection of top-shelf jazz artists will explore these recordings channeling the intensity and innovation of Miles’ early genius. :: Brownman Ali - trumpet (JUNO nominee) :: Nick Maclean - keyboard (JUNO nominee) :: Bennett Young - upright bass (JUNO nominee) :: Frank Botos - drums (JUNO nominee)

www.AkousticTrio.Brownman.com

All Fest Tickets:

www.eventbrite.com/cc/4357823

My HOUSE Junction Jazz Fest 2025 www.MyHouseInTheJunction.com/Junction-Jazz-Festival Mon-Jun-23, 7pm: JORDANA TALSKY: LIVE LOOPING Tue-Jun-24, 7pm: TIGHTROPE feat. Stich Wynston Wed-Jun-25, 7pm: HERBIE HANCOCK TRIB feat. Nick Maclean Thr-Jun-26, 7pm: BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO Fri-Jun-27, 8pm: ARECIBO Latin-jazz Sat-Jun-28, 8pm: FRANK SINATRA TRIB feat. Carlo B. Sun-Jun-29, 4pm: MILES DAVIS: The PRESTIGE YEARS

[nickmacleanjazz]

Electric jazz fans, science fiction fans, fans of groovy-as-hell music… SNAGGLE is on tour THIS MAY debuting brand new tunes inspired by the legendary science fiction author ISAAC ASIMOV! Featuring the highly acclaimed horn duo the ALI BROS alongside a lineup of some of the finest electric-jazz musicians in Toronto, prepare for some explosive Snarky-Puppy-meets-Weather-Report ENERGY!

🎟️ BUY TICKETS: www.Maclean.Browntasauras.com

📍 TOUR DATES 📍 Tue-May-20: London, ON @ Storm Stayed Brewing Company Wed-May-21: Waterloo/Kitchener, ON Day: Masterclass @ Laurel Heights S.S. Night: The Grand Trunk Saloon Thu-May-22: Oshawa, ON @ THE ATRIA Fri-May-23: Hamilton, ON @ Tabone Academy of Music Sat-May-24: Toronto, ON @ My House Sun-May-25: Newmarket, ON @ Old Flame Brewing Co. Wed-May-28: Newmarket, ON (Day Masterclass TBA) Thu-May-29: Kingston, ON @ RCHA Club Fri-May-30: Montreal, QC @ The Wheel Club Sat-May-31: Ottawa, ON @ Night Oat Sun-Jun-01: Warkworth, ON @ St. Paul's United Church

🎟️ BUY TICKETS: www.Maclean.Browntasauras.com

🎹 Nick Maclean (keys/synth) 🎺 Brownman Ali (electric trumpet) 🎷 Marcus Ali (tenor sax) 🎸 Jay Yoo (guitar) 🎸 Matt Gruebner (bass) 🥁 Adam Mansfield (drums)

For more info: www.NicholasMaclean.com www.Maclean.Browntasauras.com www.Brownman.com www.Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

🔥 SNAGGLE IS BACK ON TOUR! 🔥

Electric jazz heads — get ready. This May, Nick Maclean’s SNAGGLE feat. the ALI BROS hits the road across Ontario & Quebec for an explosive sci-fy inspired tour!

Two of Canada’s finest horn players, a frontline that’s PURE FIRE: 🎺 Brownman Ali (electric trumpet) 🎷 Marcus Ali (tenor sax) Backed by an ALL-STAR rhythm section: 🎹 Nick Maclean (keys/synth) 🎸 Jay Yoo (guitar) 🎸 Matt Gruebner (bass) 🥁 Adam Mansfield (drums)

This lineup is bringing you ALL NEW music inspired by Isaac Asimov’s Foundation saga — a cosmic ride through the rise & fall of galactic empires, delivered with soul, grit, and groove.

If you dig Snarky Puppy, Weather Report, electric Miles, or Rage Against the Machine… this show is for YOU. Expect introspective beauty, wild improvisation, and fierce energy — sometimes all in the same tune.

📍 TOUR DATES & 🎟️ TIX → www.Maclean.Browntasauras.com

Tue-May-20: London, ON @ Storm Stayed Brewing Wed-May-21: Waterloo/Kitchener, ON  ☀️ Day: Masterclass @ Laurel Heights S.S.  🌙 Night: Grand Trunk Saloon Thu-May-22: Oshawa, ON @ The Atria Fri-May-23: Hamilton, ON @ Tabone Academy Sat-May-24: Toronto, ON @ My House Sun-May-25: Newmarket, ON @ Old Flame Brewing Wed-May-28: Newmarket, ON (Day Masterclass TBA) Thu-May-29: Kingston, ON @ RCHA Club Fri-May-30: Montreal, QC @ The Wheel Club Sat-May-31: Ottawa, ON @ Night Oat Sun-Jun-01: Warkworth, ON @ St. Paul's United

For more info: www.NicholasMaclean.comwww.Maclean.Browntasauras.comwww.Brownman.comwww.Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

🔥 Brownman Ali’s TRUMPET TRIBUTE Series – Every Friday in March! 🎺

Every Friday in March, the amazing Brownman Ali is presenting a trumpet tribute series, diving deep into the music of four jazz legends: Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard, and Miles Davis. I've played this series a few times before and it is always an incredible amount of fun delving into the tunes of these trumpet geniuses, and if you check out some of the cats lined up in the bands, this series is going to feature some of Toronto's finest! If you're in Toronto, don’t miss out — mark your calendars and grab your tickets!

Four legendary jazz trumpeters. Four electrifying nights. Four amazing bands.

🎶 Mar 7 – Dizzy Gillespie 🎶 Mar 14 – Clark Terry 🎶 Mar 21 – Freddie Hubbard 🎶 Mar 28 – Miles Davis

Multi-award winning trumpeter Brownman Ali leads an all-star lineup through the groundbreaking sounds of jazz’s most iconic horn masters. Expect high-energy performances, deep musical explorations, and some of Toronto’s top jazz musicians!

📍 CONTXTbyTrane – 254 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto 🎟️ $25 Adv (per) / $35 Door (per) / $80 All 4 Shows 🚀 Limited tickets – 'all shows' package avail until Mar 7

🔗 Info & Tickets: www.Trumpets.Brownman.com 📅 RSVP & Stay Updated: https://www.facebook.com/events/3324757344339174/

🎺 MORE INFO 🎺

🎶 MAR 7 – DIZZY GILLESPIE Bebop pioneer, showman, and innovator, Dizzy’s music redefined jazz. Brownman Ali & co. take on classics like Manteca, A Night in Tunisia, and more! 🎺 Brownman Ali – trumpet & percussion 🎹 Nick Maclean – piano 🎻 Bennett Young – upright bass 🥁 Justin McHugh – drums

🎶 MAR 14 – CLARK TERRY A master of swing & flugelhorn, Clark Terry shaped jazz history. From his Ellington years to bebop, Brownman leads an all-star band in a heartfelt tribute. 🎺 Brownman Ali – flugelhorn 🎹 Nick Maclean – piano 🎻 Bennett Young – upright bass 🥁 Frank Botos – drums

🎶 MAR 21 – FREDDIE HUBBARD Hard bop fire meets electric fusion! A high-energy night showcasing Freddie’s Open Sesame to Red Clay eras. 🎺 Brownman Ali – trumpet & effects 🎹 Nick Maclean – piano & synth 🎻 Jake Moodie – acoustic & electric basses 🥁 Adam Mansfield – drums

🎶 MAR 28 – MILES DAVIS A deep dive into Miles' ever-evolving sound—from bebop to fusion and beyond. One night, all eras! 🎺 Brownman Ali – trumpet & effects 🎹 Nick Maclean – piano & synth 🎻 Ross MacIntyre – acoustic & electric basses 🥁 Jacob Wutzke – drums

Presented by: Caliban Arts Theatre , CONTXT by Trane, Browntasauras Records & Brownman Music Inc

[nickmacleanjazz]

🎄Brownman's HOLIDAY MADNESS RETURNS!🎄 I’m thrilled to announce the return of Brownman Ali’s annual HOLIDAY MADNESS shows! The Brownman Electryc Trio +1 will be taking your favorite Christmas classics and giving them a whole new life, reimagined through the electrifying, spontaneous spirit of jazz.

Here’s what makes these shows so wild: Brown might just call out a Christmas tune, throw in a style—funk, bebop, reggae, you name it—and we dive right in, creating something fresh and unpredictable on the spot. No two nights are the same, and the energy is off the charts! I'm not on the Newmarket show, but the trio is an absolute POWERHOUSE so Newmarket folks make sure to check that show out!

Trust me, you’ll walk out grinning from ear to ear. Don’t miss the fun, excitement, and true jazz magic of this year’s HOLIDAY MADNESS!

📅 Saturday, December 14 🕗 8:00 PM 📍 My House , Toronto 🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1099967465299

📅 Tuesday, December 17 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 Old Flame Brewing, Newmarket 🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1099986201339

📅 Friday, December 20 🕕 7:00 PM 📍 CONTXTbyTrane, Toronto 🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1099940735349

📅 Saturday, December 21 🕕 7:00 PM 📍 Simcoe Restobar , Oshawa 🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1112946756709

📅 Sunday, December 22 🕕 6:00 PM 📍 The Grand Trunk Saloon , Kitchener 🎟️ Get Tickets Now https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1099976853379

FEATURING: 🎺 Brownman Ali – Trumpet 🎹 Nick Maclean – Piano (on all dates except Dec 17, 21) 🎻 Matt Gruebner – Bass 🥁 Adam Mansfield – Drums

See all the Ontario tour dates at www.Gigs.Brownman.com under DEC.

[nickmacleanjazz]

🎄An UN-Ironic Holiday Single!🎄 Yes, you read that right. If you know me, you know holiday music is not really my thing. The only other “festive” tune I’ve put out, Snaggle’s “Christmas Tune”, was a temperamental pushback against the clichés of commercial Christmas music… and one that ruffled a few feathers (it drew some HILARIOUS Nazi comparisons from an offended elderly couple).

So how did this new single come to life? During the recording of my solo piano double album "Can You Hear Me?" (2021, Browntasauras Records), my producer, Brownman Ali, threw me a surprise: the lead sheet for “Christmas Time Is Here”. This Vince Guaraldi classic is holiday music at its finest: soulful, nuanced, and anything but cheesy. So, I decided to lean in and record an entirely spontaneous take - no plan, just pure improvisation in the moment. I hope you enjoy my take on this timeless piece!

📀 BUY on BANDCAMP https://nickmacleanjazz.bandcamp.com/track/christmas-time-is-here

📽️ WATCH the in-studio VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfe01FOJjjY

CREDITS Nick Maclean – piano Brownman – producer (Browntasauras Records) Vince Guaraldi – composer Chalet Studio – recording studio (David Chester, booker) Justin Meli – tracking engineer Josh Bowman – mix engineer (Bowman Sound) Justin Gray – mastering engineer (Immersive Mastering) Nick Maclean & Microsoft Designer AI – cover art Browntasauras Records – label

🌐 More Info: NicholasMaclean.com | Maclean.Browntasauras.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

🎹✨ Sneak Peek Alert! ✨🎶

Here’s a glimpse into my upcoming un-ironic holiday single, “Christmas Time Is Here”! By this point in the tune, I’m deep in the zone, improvising over the bridge and chasing wherever the music decides to go.

Mid-take, a house fly decided the keyboard was prime real estate, and yes, I had to shoo it away without missing a beat - thankfully an easier task in a ballad where you can push and pull the tempo a bit… 😂 Our engineer, Justin Meli, asked Brownman (my producer), “Does he remember what he plays when it’s this improvised?” The answer? Absolutely not, I didn't even remember the fly! When the vibe is this spontaneous, you just hit record and cross your fingers.

Catch the full track dropping December 6th and let me know what you think of this clip!

🎧 Pre-save Link at: Maclean.Browntasauras.com

🌐 More Info: NicholasMaclean.com | Maclean.Browntasauras.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

🎹 New Solo Piano Holiday Single Coming Soon! 🎹

This is totally out of character for me, but here's what's coming: an unironic holiday single, dropping December 6th! It’s my own improvised, solo piano spin on Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here”: a rich holiday classic with some real depth and nuance in its composition - I don't dig a lot of Christmas music, but I'm a fan of this tune. I hope you'll enjoy what I've done with it, this track came out of my solo sessions for "Can You Hear Me?" (2021, Browntasauras Records) and was a spontaneous suggestion by my producer, Brownman Ali. We hit record, and one take later, we had a gentle, introspective version of this holiday gem, fueled by some inspiration from Bill Evans. You can pre-save it on Spotify now to be the first to hear it!

🎧 Pre-save Link at: Maclean.Browntasauras.com

Mark Dec. 6th on your calendar, and watch for more videos and updates when it drops!

🌐 More Info: NicholasMaclean.com | Maclean.Browntasauras.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO+1 HALLOWEEN THRILLER

INFO & TICKETS: www.Thriller.Brownman.com

Internationally acclaimed & recent JUNO nominated jazz/hip-hop trumpet playing iconoclast BROWNMAN ALI (Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Kanye West, Guru's Jazzmatazz) will once again lead an all-star quartet through his popular annual Halloween Thriller concert, this year travelling up from Brooklyn, NY to various venues (and schools) across Southern Ontario. The much lauded BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO + 1 will perform the entire Michael Jackson "Thriller" recording, interpreted and re-worked in the Miles Davis-esque fashion this multiple National Jazz Award winning improviser has become known for. In addition to the quartet performing Thriller from top to bottom, other MJ classics will be featured through the night for this unique Halloween Series jazz party at Campbellford's The Dockside Bistro. Costumes and Thriller video dance moves encouraged! This show features as it's "+1"acclaimed keyboardist NICK MACLEAN, a JUNO nominated rising star in Toronto's jazz community, signee to Brownman's Browntasauras Records label & winner of 10 Global Music Awards, standing alongside 2 of Toronto's most in demand musicians : MATT GRUEBNER on bass (from New Zealand, now in Canada), and ADAM MANSFIELD on drums (a 22-year old drumset phenom), all under the direction of 2x National Jazz Award winning modern jazz trumpet iconoclast BROWNMAN ALI.

The BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO has won a National Jazz Award, 3 Toronto Independent Music Awards, a SOCAN music award, a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, and an International Independent Music Award for "Jazz-Funk album of the year" for their latest release "Gravitation", which hit number 4 on the iTunes USA jazz charts upon it's release.

“Awards are nice, naturally, but to dig what Brownman is doing, you’ve got to see him live. I had a chance to do just that over the summer when Brownman fronted his killer trio ... I came away with a blown mind. This guy’s got chops galore, soul to match, and a sense of phrasing that recalls many of the greats, but suggests itself to be his own.” -- The Buffalo News on the latest slew of awards for the Brownman Electryc Trio ---- 2024 HALLOWEEN THRILLER -- ONT. TOUR DATES www.Thriller.Brownman.com Sat-Oct-19, 7pm in Campbellford @ Dockside Bistro Thr-Oct-24, 7pm in Newmarket @ Old Flame Brewing Fri-Oct-25, 8pm in Toronto (west) @ My House Sat-Oct-26, 8pm in Hamilton @ Laidlaw United Sun-Oct-27, 6pm in Port Perry @ Old Flame Brewing [ Mon-Oct-28, Noon in Oshawa @ O'Neill OVI (school!) ] Tue-Oct-29, 7pm in London @ Storm Stayed Wed-Oct-30, 8pm in Kitchener @ Grand Trunk Saloon Thr-Oct-31, 8pm in Toronto (central) @ Drom Taberna ---- :: Brownman Ali - electric trumpet & spookiness --> www.Brownman.com :: Nick Maclean - keyboards & ghoulishness --> www.NicholasMaclean.com :: Matt Gruebner - electric bass & creepiness --> www.facebook.com/mattgruebner :: Adam Mansfield - drums & ghastliness --> www.facebook.com/adam.mansfield.58

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See videos from the 2020 HALLOWEEN THRILLER show: http://www.youtube.com/playlist...

Hear the BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO at: www.ElectrycTrio.Brownman.com

Videos of BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO live: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFECA3E452FE2BC0D

---- ABOUT BROWNMAN | www.Brownman.com Heralded as “Canada’s preeminent Jazz trumpeter” by NYC’s Village Voice, Brownman Ali - born on the small Caribbean island of Trinidad, & schooled in NYC - is a multiple award-winning NYC-schooled protégé to his teacher, Grammy-winning trumpet legend, Randy Brecker. Splitting his time between Toronto and New York, he tirelessly leads 8 unique ensembles of his own including the internationally acclaimed Miles Davis influenced BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO, and the award-winning CRUZAO latin-jazz quintet. All these ensembles record under Brownman's own much lauded BROWNTASAURAS RECORDS label, established in 2009. In high demand in the studio world with over 300 CD appearances to date, Brownman delivers stylistically authentic horn playing over a wide range of styles from bebop to hiphop having worked with the likes of Guru's Jazzmatazz (replacing Donald Byrd in that primordial ensemble), Mos Def, KRS-1, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Jay-z, Missy Elliot, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gary Bartz, Chucho Valdes & far too many more to name here. He is considered to be one of the most unique and provocative improvising trumpet players in the nation today and is widely regarded as a vanguard for the evolution of Jazz in Canada.

"One of the next great voices in the new generation of jazz improvisers” - Randy Brecker

---- AWARDS & ACCOLADES A highly decorated player, his awards & accolades include : -- 2 National Jazz Awards (with 11 nominations over the years) -- 10 Global Music Awards -- Montreal Jazz Fest's "Grand Prix Du Jazz" award -- a CBC Galaxie Rising Star award -- a SOCAN composers award -- 1st place in International Songwriting Competition (ISC), Jazz -- an International Independent Music Award for "Album of the Year" -- 3 Toronto Independent Music Award "jazz artist of the year" (8 nominations) -- a Black Canadian Award nomination for "Jazz Musician of the Year" -- an induction into the WHO'S WHO IN BLACK CANADA -- a Black IMPACT Award for "Artists of the Year" -- a Caribbean Music & Entertainment nomination for "Jazz Artist of the Year" -- a BRAVO! channel documentary on his life -- NOW magazine naming him "Toronto's Best Jazz Musician" -- CBC Radio Canada named him "one of the most recorded trumpet players in Canadian history" -- NPR in New York calls him "the new standard in electric jazz" -- the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate General awarded him with a citation for being a "Distinguished National of Trinidad" -- was once listed by Air Canada's in-flight magazine as "One of the Top 10 reasons to visit Toronto". 

[nickmacleanjazz]

BROWNMAN ALI AND NICK MACLEAN DUO SAT-SEP-07 show 8pm - 11pm @ My House 2882 Dundas St W, York, ON M6P 1Y8 $FREE ------------------------------- Don’t miss these 2 recent 2024 JUNO nominees coming to My House on Sat-Sep-07! Internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet iconoclast and one of Canada's most provocative improvisers, BROWNMAN ALI returns to the Junction from Brooklyn, NY, this time with 10x Global Music award winner NICK MACLEAN on piano, for an evening of trumpet/piano duo tunes from the Great American Songbook. No cover charge to see a rare and intimate performance between these two world-class artists who have a decades long playing relationship across many ensembles and releases. Both are JUNO nominees, both are 10x Global Music Award winners, both are chart-topping Jazz Artists signed to Browntasauras Records — don’t miss it! ---- For more info: www.Brownman.com www.NicholasMaclean.com www.Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

I've been an absolute hermit of late because when I haven't been chasing around a 2 year old I've been IMMERSED in writing for Snaggle's next record!

My producer and often featured trumpet player Brownman Ali and I are HUGE science fiction fans, so on his recommendation I just finished reading through one of science fiction's masterwork series' - Isaac Asimov's FOUNDATION SERIES which caps off a three series arc: - The Robot Series - The Galactic Empire Series - The Foundation Series

15 books spanning a rich tapestry of a possible 'future history' of humanity, it's a stunning epic and because I've been so wrapped up in it it's been deeply affecting my writing. Lot's of the new Snaggle tunes have inspirations springing from Asimov, some of the working titles I'm playing with include:

THE MULE: PSYCHIC TYRANT A tune that delves into the character of 'The Mule', a mysterious mutant who's ability to manipulate emotions leads him to conquer numerous worlds.

TWILIGHT OF CIVILIZATION A tune depicting the decline and fall of the great Galactic Empire, which in it's height, spanned millions of worlds and a dozen millennia, all kept in line by the world-city of Trantor.

THE ZEROTH LAW A robot must not harm or through inaction allow harm to come to humanity. The discovery of this law creates (in my opinion) one of the most satisfying saviour archetypes in R. Daneel Olivaw, a robot driven to ever walk the knife's edge in order to help shepherd the fate of humanity.

I'm starting to round the halfway mark of the writing process, so a little ways before the band will be hitting the stage and then the studio... but I can't wait!

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While I see many of my colleagues are looking with great trepidation at the recent shuttering of Finale (boo!), and the annoying prospect of having to learn an entirely new piece of notation software... I'm just gonna stick my fingers in my ears and keep using my 2007 copy of Finale Allegro that my parents gifted me for my birthday in Grade 11. Still works great almost 20 years later... I'm sure one day Windows will inform me that it's no longer compatible with my operating system, but until that day... WHEEEEEEEEE!

[nickmacleanjazz]

Very excited for the NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat BROWNMAN ALI to be closing out the first ever CONTXT Jazz Festival! On SUN-JUN-30 we're performing a matinee concert at CONTXT where we'll be playing tunes from our JUNO nominated record 'Convergence' and a few other fun things! I'm so looking forward to sharing the stage once again with the incomparable Brownman Ali (trumpet) and the steadfast Bennett Young (bass), as well as being joined by a newcomer to the group - the incredible Michael Filion on drums filling in for the great Jacob Wutzke! Get your tickets now and make sure to check out all the fantastic events going on during the CONTXT Jazz Festival!

NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat. BROWNMAN ALI - JUNO nominated modern jazz SUN-JUN-30, TORONTO, ON doors @ 3:30pm | show @ 4pm @ CONTXT | www.ContxtByTrane.com 254 Lansdowne Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 3X9 $15 advance, $20 door TIX: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/912062853547

:: Nick Maclean - piano :: Brownman Ali - trumpet :: Bennett Young - bass :: Michaël Filion - drums (in for Jacob Wutzke)

This modern jazz quartet is deeply influenced by Herbie Hancock's 1960's Blue Note Quartet that featured Freddie Hubbard. Led by 10x Global Music Award winning pianist Nick Maclean & featuring Brownman Ali on trumpet, their recent chart-topping release "Convergence" was a JUNO Award nominee for "2024 Jazz Album of the Year". Maclean has been mentored by Ali for the last decade, was signed to Browntasauras Records when he was 22 and has now released 4 internationally acclaimed albums on the label.

WATCH ROAD WARRIOR from CONVERGENCE (blazing uptempo swing) https://youtu.be/qfOno29FcXM

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About CONTXT Jazz Fest 2024

www.ContxtFest.Browntasauras.com

The CONTXT Jazz Festival is a 5-day celebration of musical diversity, where the boundaries of jazz are redefined, expanded & explored. This vibrant event features an eclectic mix of jazz genres, showcasing artists both in traditional jazz & modern jazz flavours, a tribute to reggae-jazz legends, award-winning electric-jazz dynamos & multiple JUNO nominees. As these Artists push the envelope of the jazz artform, this festival is a testament to the rich and evolving nature of this music. Music lovers : join us for an unforgettable journey through the many facets of jazz at the CONTXT Jazz Festival.

5 jazz events, 5 jazz parties, 5 unforgettable experiences!

Wed-Jun-26 : JAZZ Film "Be Known" (Jazz movie night) Thr-Jun-27 : PHIL JIMENEZ TRIO (Classic jazz) Fri-Jun-28 : TRIBUTE to ERNEST RANGLIN & DON DRUMMOND (Reggae jazz) Sat-Jun-29 : ALI BROS feat. Brownman & Marcus Ali (Electric-jazz)

Sun-Jun-30 : NICK MACLEAN QUARTET (Modern jazz)

All events at 254 Lansdowne Ave., Toronto, Canada

Presented by Caliban Arts Theatre, CONTXT & Browntasauras Records

[nickmacleanjazz]

NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat. BROWNMAN ALI hits the road in a couple of weeks for dates in NEWMARKET, CAMPBELLFORD, and TORONTO! Get your tickets now for a night of JUNO nominated, Herbie Hancock - influenced modern jazz!

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THR-APR-18, 07PM NEWMARKET, ON @ Old Flame Brewing Co.

TIX: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/866227508797

FRI-APR-19, 06PM CAMPBELLFORD, ON @ Dockside Bistro

TIX: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/869523557367

SAT-APR-20, 06PM CAMPBELLFORD, ON @ Dockside Bistro

TIX: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/869523557367

SUN-APR-21, 07PM TORONTO, ON @ Duffy's Tavern

TIX: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/866768567117

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FULL TOUR INFORMATION: Maclean.Browntasauras.com

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"I was a great fan of Herbie Hancock’s 60’s music. Nick Maclean Quartet is very solid. « Convergence » is one of the best canadian albums of 2023 and should have chances to get a Juno."

- Denys Lelièvre, CKRL (Quebec City, Canada)

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This April, the NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat. BROWNMAN ALI celebrates the release of their newly JUNO NOMINATED sophomore album CONVERGENCE. Led by fast-rising piano star NICK MACLEAN -- a 10x Global Music Award winner and one of the most in-demand young jazz piano players in Toronto -- this contemplative yet thrilling quartet 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. Maclean's quartet heavily features one of Canada's most provocative improvising trumpet players -- BROWNMAN ALI -- an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning jazz iconoclast who has been heralded as "Canada's preeminent jazz trumpet player" by New York City's Village Voice and is best known globally as the last trumpet player to play in the legendary jazz-hip-hop group GURU's JAZZMATAZZ. For this show, Ali & Maclean stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 2 of Canada's top-tier 20-somethings: BENNETT YOUNG on upright bass, and ADAM MANSFIELD on drums (in for Jacob Wutzke).

***Copies of CONVERGENCE will be available for purchase at the show (physical and digital)***

Come witness these four in full flight, this performance will feature deeply exploratory, hard-swinging modern-jazz audiences will not want to miss.

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:: Nick Maclean - piano

:: Brownman Ali - trumpet

:: Bennett Young - bass

:: Adam Mansfield - drums

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PURCHASE your copy (digital or physical) of CONVERGENCE now!

Maclean.Browntasauras.com

"Convergence" released Oct 27 (Can) & Nov 24 (Int) on Browntasauras Records

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WATCH singles from CONVERGENCE

ROAD WARRIOR (blazing uptempo swing)

DOLPHIN DANCE (introspective ballad)

VERBOTEN (irreverently funkified)

WISDOM OF AURELIUS (Latin jazz odyssey)

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For more info:

www.Maclean.Browntasauras.com

www.NicholasMaclean.com

www.Brownman.com

www.Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

What a weekend! I'm home from the 2024 JUNO awards in Halifax and my hamstrings are still recovering from the enormous hill that Halifax is built into... but it was an incredible experience! The red carpets, the awards dinner, the broadcast, and more - it's a surreal experience to be in a room with hundreds of other people knowing that every single of them is an absolute badass on stage, while simultaneously being such a wonderful experience when there's not an ego in the room - everyone, big and small, came to the table friendly, open, and supportive. It was both inspiring and heart warming.

Nick Maclean Quartet feat. BROWNMAN ALI didn't win our category, but I'm very honoured to have lost to Hilario Duran and his Latin Big Band, who's Grammy-nominated record "Cry Me A River" is just spectacular! In fact I'd have felt honoured to lose to any of the giants who were nominated alongside us in our category - I was surrounded by my heroes and mentors. Heros like:

Hilario Duran & His Latin Big Band - "Cry Me A River" Allison Au & The Migrations Ensemble - "Migrations" Canadian Jazz Collective - "Septology" Mike Murley & Mark Eisenman Quartet - "Recent History"

I had an enormous amount of fun catching up with folks I haven't seen in ages like Noam Lemish, Mike Murley, Denielle Bassels, Caity Gyorgy, Levi Dover, Jenna Marie, and Andrew Jackson.

As well as meeting or reconnecting with new friends like Allison Au, Jocelyn Gould, Laila Biali-Wittman, Hilario Duran, Ben Wittman, Jon Maharaj, Will Bonness, Iman Habibi, Ewen Farncombe, Alex Bird, Mark Limacher, Markus Floats, James Goddard, Jhamiela Smith, and Begonia.

And I know I'm forgetting tons of people because the weekend was more than a bit of a whirlwind!

It was so good to spend lots of time with my bandmates Brownman Ali & Jacob Wutzke (Ben Duff we missed you buddy!), and my amazing wife Erin Brooks who was our on-the-ground publicist! ---- Please check out our JUNO-nominated record, we put a lot of ourselves into it! https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k8a0AJeeXYIVCwLJs6fa9EkRErdSLo9bs NICK MACLEAN QUARTET feat. BROWNMAN ALI "Convergence" (2023, Browntasauras Records) ---- For more info: Maclean.Browntasauras.com NicholasMaclean.com Brownman.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

Nick Maclean Quartet feat. Brownman Ali's "Convergence" just became a FINALIST in the International Songwriting Competition for our track 'Road Warrior'. Congratulations also to our producer and star trumpet player Brownman who also joins us as a finalist for his composition 'Wisdom of Aurelius', the final track on the record!

PURCHASE (digital or physical) or STREAM CONVERGENCE now! Maclean.Browntasauras.com "Convergence" released Oct 27 (Can) & Nov 24 (Int) on Browntasauras Records ---- :: Nick Maclean - piano :: Brownman Ali - trumpet/producer :: Ben Duff - bass :: Jacob Wutzke - drums with special guests :: Mike Downes - bass :: Mateo Mancuso - drums :: Jesse Dietschi - bass :: Luis Orbegoso - congas & bells ---- WATCH singles from CONVERGENCE ROAD WARRIOR (blazing uptempo swing): https://youtu.be/qfOno29FcXM DOLPHIN DANCE (introspective ballad): https://youtu.be/61856iZ__0c VERBOTEN (irreverently funkified): https://youtu.be/lexWg8YLXDQ WISDOM OF AURELIUS (Latin jazz odyssey): https://youtu.be/-cPAbdH6qkM ---- For more info: Maclean.Browntasauras.com NicholasMaclean.com Brownman.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

What an amazing review from Glenn Astarita on All About Jazz about Nick Maclean Quartet feat Brownman Ali's "Convergence"! Thanks so much for the kind words Glenn, so glad you enjoyed the record!

"Nick Maclean, a pianist of exceptional skill and sensitivity, channels Hancock's pioneering ethos into the quartet's original compositions, creating a sound that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking... Ali adds a layer of depth and invention to these compositions. His solos are a highlight of the album, weaving through Maclean's compositions with precision, soulfulness, and a daring spirit of exploration... The rhythm section deserves equal praise for their contribution to the album's success. Their tight, intuitive playing grounds the music, allowing the soloists to soar." - Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz.com (Winchester, USA)

Read the full review: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/convergence-nick-maclean-browntasauras-records

PURCHASE (digital or physical) or STREAM CONVERGENCE now! Maclean.Browntasauras.com

"Convergence" released Oct 27 (Can) & Nov 24 (Int) on Browntasauras Records ---- :: Nick Maclean - piano :: Brownman Ali - trumpet/producer :: Ben Duff - bass :: Jacob Wutzke - drums with special guests :: Mike Downes - bass :: Mateo Mancuso - drums :: Jesse Dietschi - bass :: Luis Orbegoso - congas & bells ---- WATCH singles from CONVERGENCE ROAD WARRIOR (blazing uptempo swing): https://youtu.be/qfOno29FcXM DOLPHIN DANCE (introspective ballad): https://youtu.be/61856iZ__0c VERBOTEN (irreverently funkified): https://youtu.be/lexWg8YLXDQ WISDOM OF AURELIUS (Latin jazz odyssey): https://youtu.be/-cPAbdH6qkM ---- For more info: Maclean.Browntasauras.com NicholasMaclean.com Brownman.com Browntasauras.com

[nickmacleanjazz]

Just announced a few days ago, Nick Maclean Quartet feat. Brownman Ali's "Convergence" is a semi finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for the tracks 'Road Warrior' and 'Why the Caged Bird Sings'. Our producer and star trumpet player Brownman is also a semi-finalist for his composition 'Wisdom of Aurelius', the final track on the record! Congrats all around!

PURCHASE (digital or physical) or STREAM CONVERGENCE now! Maclean.Browntasauras.com

"Convergence" released Oct 27 (Can) & Nov 24 (Int) on Browntasauras Records ---- :: Nick Maclean - piano :: Brownman Ali - trumpet/producer :: Ben Duff - bass :: Jacob Wutzke - drums with special guests :: Mike Downes - bass :: Mateo Mancuso - drums :: Jesse Dietschi - bass :: Luis Orbegoso - congas & bells ---- WATCH singles from CONVERGENCE ROAD WARRIOR (blazing uptempo swing): https://youtu.be/qfOno29FcXM DOLPHIN DANCE (introspective ballad): https://youtu.be/61856iZ__0c VERBOTEN (irreverently funkified): https://youtu.be/lexWg8YLXDQ WISDOM OF AURELIUS (Latin jazz odyssey): https://youtu.be/-cPAbdH6qkM ---- For more info: Maclean.Browntasauras.com NicholasMaclean.com Brownman.com Browntasauras.com