Republic of Jazz: John MacMurchy's - Art of Breath Volume 2 (FLATCARD RECORDS November 9, 2018) + ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT (November 15)

JOHN MACMURCHY'S ART OF BREATH

New Album OUT NOVEMBER 9

VOLUME 2

+ ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT

LULA LOUNGE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15

1585 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON

Doors 6:30 pm | Music 7:30 pm

(Reservations recommended)

Tickets: $15

“A fleet, accomplished reedman with a knack for writing and arranging"

- Christopher Loudon, Vocal Jazz Critic: JazzTimes

"A diverse variety of always tuneful jazz with guaranteed appeal to a wide range of listeners.”

- Mark Rheaume, CBC Radio

“Sonically refreshing.”

– Ted Quinlan, The Wholenote

John MacMurchy leads ART OF BREATH, a group of 10 superb Toronto-based jazz musicians, on a musical journey with their upcoming album VOLUME 2. The album is officially released on November 9th (Flatcar Records), with a special concert on November 15th at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Volume 2 will be available wherever music is streamed or downloaded. For more information please visit John's website.

On the new album, MacMurchy masterfully weaves samba, bebop and fusion elements together in inventive arrangements - highly sophisticated, but always accessible. This rich musical tapestry is highlighted by breathtaking vocal and instrumental performances, to create a progressive, yet timeless, body of work. The album starts off with 'Calliope', a declaration of love set in a lush soundscape, featuring a gorgeous nylon guitar solo.

Next is 'Meu Coraçao Canta', which translates from Portuguese as 'My Heart Sings' and describes the joy in writing for, and working with musicians and beautiful people. 'The Remains' is about the damage we do when we play with other people’s affections in an effort to hide our own insecurity. 'Voice of America' is an anthemic and ominous musical criticism of American foreign policy. It features Bruce Cassidy doing things on the EVI that apparently you’re not supposed to be able to do. The organized chaos of 'WTF' is a response to both mass shootings and the vulgar chaos sown by the Trump administration. 'February Brings the Rain' features vocalist Jocelyn Barth with a one take, live off the floor, no overdubs performance of the famous Bobby Troup song. 'Slippery When Wet' explores the delight in sliding between time signatures.

'Autumn Brown and Blue' deals with being deeply in love with a friend as the days grow shorter and the light fades. This arrangement features Olivia Esther on horn, and a vocally demanding interpretation handled with grace and depth by Jessica Lalonde.

The band features writer/arranger John MacMurchy on Saxophone, Clarinet and Flute, Jocelyn Barth and Jessica Lalonde on Vocals, Bruce Cassidy on EVI, Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Olivia Esther on French Horn, Dan Ionescu on Guitar, Stacie McGregor on Piano, Alan Hetherington on Percussion, Ross MacIntyre on Bass, and Daniel Barnes on Drums. Collectively, these musicians have worked with The Boss Brass, Blood Sweat and Tears, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Tony Bennett and many more.

John MacMurchy has released four full length records to critical acclaim and international airplay, including Art of Breath Volume One (2016), Silent Partner (2014), Outside The Ministry of Truth (2004) and Product '58 (1999). In between he has worked with artists such as Guido Basso, Henry Mancini, Linda Ronstadt, Peter Appleyard, as well as being in demand as a sideman on the Toronto scene.

John MacMurchy leads ART OF BREATH, a group of superb Toronto jazz musicians, on a musical journey that crosses borders and musical traditions; deep grooves, Brazilian rhythms, and straight-ahead jazz.

Bruce Cassidy - EVI, Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Dan Ionescu - Guitar

Stacie McGregor - Piano

Ross MacIntyre - Bass

Daniel Barnes - Drums

Alan Hetherington - Percussion

Jessica Lalonde - Vocals

Jocelyn Barth- Vocals

Olivia Esther - French Horn

Paul Tarussov - Trombone

Maninho Costa - Percussion

Recorded by Jeremy Darby & Julian DeCorte