Starting spiritually in a similar place as the original "Butterfly" from the Headhunters' seminal 1974 album “Thrust”, the group proceeds with their slightly more energized take awash in colour and space, simmering through an effervescent funk. Beginning his solo with haunting lines echoed by delicious delays, Brownman soars above the roiling rhythm section punctuating stirringly forlorn statements with energetic outbursts that rise in vibrancy. Upon reaching the peak of his rousing crescendo, magnified by a flurry of drums, Brownman's trumpet settles into a melodious proclamation of a quiet sorrow before passing the torch to piano. Maclean begins with a high, delicate statement of equal parts melancholy and foreboding that gives way to something more urgent as the group gradually builds towards a second climax. The trio percolates and intensifies until the pressure can be borne no longer. Melancholy gives way to joy - exploding into a spirited salsa rhythm. Joined by Brownman on the cowbell and punctuated by lively montunos from Maclean, the group revels in the excitement of the moment before easing back to the funkified calm of Herbie's original melody.
from
Convergence,
released October 27, 2023
Composed by Herbie Hancock
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Nick Maclean -- piano
Brownman Ali -- trumpet, producer
Ben Duff -- bass
Jacob Wutzke -- drums
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Revolution Recording -- recording studio (Kim Cooke, booker)
Stephen Koszler -- head tracking engineer
Luke Schindler -- assistant tracking engineer
Wayne Ferguson -- piano tuner
Josh Bowman -- mix engineer
Justin Gray -- mastering engineer
Dean Shu -- cover art
Daryl Angier -- liner notes
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Thomas Varey -- director of photography
Brittany Farhat -- camera crew
Matthew Fong -- camera crew
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Canada Council for the Arts -- funding
Ontario Arts Council -- funding
Toronto Arts Council -- funding
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Browntasauras Records -- record label
Steve Danic (Browntasauras Records) -- publicist