This album, the sophomore release from the Nick Maclean Quartet, represents a continued modern reimagining of the spirit of Herbie Hancock's primordial 60's quartet, extending many of the ideas from their first award-winning recording "Rites of Ascension". Evolution abounds throughout this 2nd recording, with greater cross-pollinated experimentation between genres, more sophisticated & intricate writing from Maclean's pen, and further exploration of Herbie Hancock's classic cannon. As per their 1st album, the depth of the synergistic connectivity between these 4 hand-picked members of Maclean's quartet are again a cornerstone to the ensemble's sound and group dynamic. Maclean advances his examination of the modern jazz ethos here, with all the intriguing challenges, opportunities and possibilities that go with it.

=============================
About the NICK MACLEAN QUARTET
=============================
This contemplative and often thrilling quartet's explorations of modern, original repertoire is led by fast-rising piano star NICK MACLEAN -- a 10x Global Music Award winner, a Toronto Independent 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, while paying tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history.

Maclean's quartet heavily features one of Canada's most provocative improvising trumpet players -- BROWNMAN ALI, heralded as "Canada's preeminent jazz trumpet player" by New York City's Village Voice. Recognized as an internationally acclaimed jazz iconoclast, he currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY & Toronto, Canada and is a 2x National Jazz Award winner. This jazz veteran is best known globally as the last trumpet player with the legendary jazz-hip-hop group GURU's JAZZMATAZZ, having replaced Donald Byrd in that seminal ensemble. Ali & Maclean stand shoulder to shoulder with two of Toronto's top-tier rhythm section 20-somethings: BEN DUFF on bass and JACOB WUTZKE on drums. The synergy of the 4 is always palpable in concert.