"A dreamy and sumptuous blend of peace, calm, and tranquility."

DEDICATION:

This album is dedicated to Paul Horn's wife, Ann Mortifee, and his sons, Marlen and Robin, in fond memory of Paul and the enormous contribution he made to the world of music...not to mention the enormous and lasting influence Paul has had on me personally...

BACKGROUND:

Paul Horn is unquestionably the earliest, the strongest and the most enduring of all my influences on this instrument, regardless of idiom.

Paul's landmark 1969 recording, Inside, cast him as perhaps something of an unwitting “Father of New Age Music”. However, my very own father actually introduced me to Paul's flute playing long before that (when I was growing up in Port Colborne, Ontario and learning to play the flute myself), with Paul's earlier and more straight-ahead 1962 recording, Profile of a Jazz Musician.

Paul had a unique and haunting sound on the instrument that struck me immediately. He was never a flashy technician. Instead, he relied on the use of space, coupled with what were often stark—but heartfelt—phrases to communicate musically. He was also very spiritually driven, and this aspect of his music was evident in all of his work.

Paul went beyond the conventional boundaries of the instrument. He was able to achieve a Miles Davis/John Coltrane kind of intensity, with a remarkably unhurried pace in his approach to improvisation, all of which he combined with a devout sense for the sound of the instrument.

It is precisely because of all these qualities that I have returned to Paul's flute playing...over and over again...and over many, many years...

Now, a decade after his passing, I decided to take some time and make an effort to acknowledge all he has done for me...and so many others...with a series of reflections which I hope will give you the same sense of comfort and solace I experience when I listen to Paul Horn.

Bill McBirnie

THANKS

My sincere thanks to each and every one of my supporters (notably Jaymz Bee and all the folks at Jazz.FM91). And of course, my eternal gratitude to Svetlana, my wife, who is my biggest supporter in all that I do.

And here are some other Extreme Flute albums that you might enjoy!

- Desvio (Bill McBirnie & Bruce Jones) – EF01
- Scratch It! (Bill McBirnie - Extreme Flute) – EF02
- Grain of Sand (Bill McBirnie & Bruce Jones) – EF07
- Forever (Bill McBirnie & Bruce Jones – E09-EP

PRESS EXTRACTS:

"Technical magnificence. McBirnie is one of the best living jazz flautists in the world. [Mercy] features technically stunning musicianship coupled with powerful emotions that combine grace and beauty, providing a bountiful feast of audio delight." (Paul J. Youngman, All About Jazz)

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

DOWNBEAT—"Opening for Eliane Elias, flutist Bill McBirnie proved a passionate and eloquent improviser with sure-footed support from pianist Bernie Senensky. Their set included a show-stopping finale penned by Senensky, inspired by Hermeto Pascoal and Charlie Parker.” (Allen Morrison)

JAZZTIMES—"Best Opening Act [at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival]—Eliane Elias delivered a solid, opening-weekend show at the Old Mill Inn…But it was the dynamic opening duo of pianist and composer, Bernie Senensky, and flutist, Bill McBirnie, that...truly set the expansive dining room aflame…For the uninitiated, check out their pairing on Paco Paco.” (Christopher Loudon)

JAZZIZ—“There’s an effervescent, joyous quality to the dozen takes on Bill McBirnie’s Find Your Place (Extreme Flute)...Those new to McBirnie will be amazed at his inventiveness and the winning charm of this exceptional date...” (Mark Holston)

“There are precious few flutists who can make the instrument burn with musical intensity the way McBirnie does...McBirnie shows a range of emotional colours on both Latin and jazz standards in duo and quartet configurations...McBirnie deserves to be placed alongside Moe Koffman and Herbie Mann in the pantheon of jazz flute." (Andy Sheppard, After Hours, CBC Radio)

“...A superior jazz flutist...As with many Canadian players, his fame has not often reached below the border into the United States but his music is well worth knowing. He sounds unlike anyone else having developed his own musical personality, yet within the traditions of the music. McBirnie has two recent releases, Nature Boy and Paco Paco. Both sets are highly recommended." (Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene)

“...[Paco Paco] is a masterful performance...Bill plays with classical virtuosity, jazz-swing intensity and Latin appassionata...He runs the flute through harmonious, melodic phrasing which is at times gentle as a breeze, but he can build a solo to a gale force wind, never losing the pleasing, melodic soul of the tune...Superb soloing...Nothing less than fantastic...Masterful brilliance and sumptuous beauty...” (Paul J. Youngman, Radio Vinilemania)