Bill McBirnie is a jazz and Latin flute specialist who has been personally solicited by Sir James Galway to serve as his resident Jazz Flute Specialist at Sir James' official website. Bill also enjoys the unusual distinction of having been declared a winner in all three of the National Flute Association’s Jazz Flute (1) Soloist, (2) Masterclass and (3) Big Band Competitions in the US.
Here are a few responses to the duo work of Bill McBirnie and Bernie Senensky:
SIR JAMES GALWAY—"I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your latest, and greatest, CD. I’ve listened to it several times and it’s a really terrific record. You are my favourite jazz flutist…This album is a real knock-out!…"
DOWNBEAT—“Toronto’s deep pool of local talent was on display at dozens of events…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 TD Jazz Festival] – Eliane Elias delivered a solid, opening-weekend show at the Old Mill Inn, focusing squarely on selections from her recent Chet Baker tribute, I Thought About You. 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 and, ironically, provided far more satisfying dips into the Brazilian songbook.” (Christopher Loudon)
Bernie Senensky – piano
Produced – by Bill McBirnie
Co-produced – by Pacy Shulman
Engineering, mixing & mastering – by Pacy Shulman of Hilo Studio
Picture of Bill's hands – by Bill Beard (courtesy of Jazz.FM91)
Picture of rain-drenched branches – Image 306339 (courtesy of Wall Haven)
Layout, design & manufacturing – by Staci Patten of Accurate Audio & Design
Recorded June 4th and 5th, 2018 at Hilo Studio, Toronto, Ontario
Bill is a Designated Haynes Artist and, on this recording, he plays a vintage silver Wm. S. Haynes flute (equipped with Jim Schmidt's gold flute pads, a David Welans headjoint and a Robert Bigio titanium crown and stopper). On track 10, Bill plays a vintage Armstrong alto flute.
1. Reflection - (Latin/swing) 03:41
2. Black Orpheus / Morning Of The Carnival - (slow bossa nova) 05:35
3. Saber Cair / Knowing How To Fall - (Maculelê) 03:29
4. Cabana Boy - (relaxed bossa nova) 06:42
5. My Heart Belongs To Daddy - (up swing) 04:06
6. First Song (For Ruth) - (ballad) 04:28
7. Recado Bossa Nova - (up bossa nova) 05:26
8. Dança da Solidão - (relaxed samba) 03:47
9. No Moon At All - (medium swing) 04:18
10. Away From Home - (rhapsody) 05:05
11. Blue Bossa - medium bossa nova 04:47
12. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? - (ballad) 05:47
