Kirk MacDonald (Canada)
The Kirk MacDonald Generations Quartet featuring Rising Star clarinetist Virginia Macdonald with bassist Neil Swainson and percussionist Terry Clarke, carries international acclaim. Saxophonist, prolific composer and multiple Juno Award Nominee and Winner, Kirk MacDonald, has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading saxophonists and composers for over 35 years. A “bridge between traditional & modern saxophone playing”, the Toronto based giant of Canadian jazz has over 50 CDs as leader and sideman to his credit. Kirk MacDonald has played in jazz clubs and concert venues in the UA France, Italy, Holland, Monaco, Egypt, Australia, Korea, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Spain.
Kirk is joined by Virginia MacDonald who, at the age of twenty-four, has already established herself as a respected and sought-after musician. Kirk and Virginia will be joined by Toronto bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Terry Clarke, both leading players on the international Jazz scene.
A prolific composer with 14 CDS of original music to his credit, multi - JUNO Award Winning saxophonist, compose and educator, who has been recognized as a leader in Canadian jazz for over 35 years, Kirk MacDonald’s work “forms a bridge between tradition and modern saxophone playing ``.
This evening’s performance, the final concert of their debut tour of India, The Kirk Macdonald “Generations” Quartet, features Virginia MacDonald on clarinet, Neil Swainson on bass and Terry Clarke on drums. A showcase of multi-generational award winning Canadian Jazz artists, the program includes a variety of original compositions by the members of the quartet, along with a selection of ballads and jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, as featured on Kirk’s most recent CD release “Generations”.
Sought -after, Rising Star clarinetist, Virginia Macdonald, is a “powerful new voice in the Canadian jazz scene”. Soon to launch her first full- length album, Virginia represents the younger generation of Canadian jazz musicians, showcasing her depth as a performer, improviser and composer.
Virtuoso bassist (New York Times) Neil Swainson is among the most accomplished artists on the jazz scene today. One of Canada’s best rhythm purveyors, known for his perceptive playing and warm, full-bodied sound, Neil interprets Kirk MacDonald’s complex compositions with ease and approachability.
Order of Canada Member, drummer Terry Clarke’s long and distinguished jazz career includes performances on over 300 albums with the “Who’s Who of International Jazz”. Clarke’s “joyful and incisive “rhythm textures are a perfect match with bassist Swainson, in support of the group’s creative explorations.
This performance at the Jaipur Jazz Festival provides a unique opportunity to hearing seasoned, award-winning Canadian jazz musicians at the very top of their game, showcasing a young – rising star of the jazz world.