"A young lion piano man you can't argue with, it doesn't take any thought to do a tribute to Herbie Hancock set but it does take being an old soul to it like he was there when things older than him were created. A well deserved award winner in many jazz and music circles, Maclean leads his crew into the untamed wilds of really doing right rather than just showing up. A smoking set that sounds and feels like the real thing, this forward into the past set — where most of the songs are originals — is a first class doozy. Killer stuff throughout."
- Chris Spector, The Midwest Record (Illinois, USA) - See full article
"From Canada comes this updated soul jazz in the vein of the Blue Note acid jazz compilations. Fresh and youthfully joyful reworkings of three Herbie Hancock standards lead the disc off before we settle into several of pianist Maclean's own compositions. Key to the sound is the gloriously expressive trumpeter Brownman Ali, who contributes one of his own tunes here, the funky "Madness of Nero", as well as producing."
- Hobart Taylor, KUCI 88.9FM (California, USA) - See full article
"Maclean's foursome 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 featuring Freddie Hubbard, while simultaneously paying apt tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history."
- Memphis Marty, The Jazz Music Blog (Australia) - See full article
"Rites Of Ascension ... here’s a hot CD by a Canadian-based jazz group playing four pieces by Herbie Hancock mixed in with a plethora of original tunes by the leader [Nick Maclean] and trumpeter Brownman Ali, clearly one of the more arresting and individual players I’ve heard in a long time... this band is like a tonic; they wake you up and put some pep in your step! An outstanding album, one that should put the Maclean Quartet firmly on the musical map. No two ways about it, the Nick Maclean Quartet has staked out its claim in the jazz world and intends to stick around."
- Lynn Rene Bayley, The Art Music Lounge (Cincinnati, USA) - See full article
"This twenty-something Toronto based pianist will be largely unknown to Australian audiences, but with albums like this along with his other project ‘Snaggle’ likened to Snarky Puppy, Maclean’s trajectory can only be upward. Personal expression and fun are the hallmarks of Nick Maclean’s music and both are in abundance here. The overly familiar ‘Cantaloupe Island’ opens the album but Maclean’s arrangement uses chromatic colours to put his stamp on the Hancock hit. Trumpeter Brownman Ali, with his crystalline tone, controlled vibrato and precise facility tips his hat to Hubbard while accelerating ‘Driftin’ into double time. Samples of Hancock voicing wisdom are used to colour some Maclean original’s which allow the album to ascend from a platform of the past into the music of tomorrow. The highlight is the contribution from Ali ‘Madness of Nero’ which seems to encompass all the stylistic elements of the album into one piece including samples from philosopher Christopher Hitchens."
- Peter Wockner, Jazz and Beyond (Australia) - See full article
"Pianist Nick Maclean delivers a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s 60s Blue Note with a collection of interpretations and originals. His team of Brownman Ali/tp, Jesse Dietschi/b and Tyler Goertzen/dr is up for the task, with Ali tapping into his inner Freddie Hubbard on sleek reads of 'One Finger Snap' and 'Cantaloupe Island' while he skates over Goertzen’s brushes with aplomb on 'Tell Me A Bedtime Story.' Maclean’s own compositions are quite strong, flowing on the ballad 'Feral Serenity' and Brownman gets the team into a funky mood on his own 'Madness of Nero.' Dietschi does some nice work on 'Goldberg Machine' and the team develops infectious grooves as on 'Elasticity of Time and Space.' Respectful, but not deferential."
- George W Harris, Jazz Weekly (California, USA) - See full article
"Rites of Ascention [...] is a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s elemental 1960s Blue Note era recordings, and a daring original musical statement on its own. ... These four musicians [...] have a great synergy and drive, and some serious chops. Their renditions of Hancock’s four classics are full of energy and forward momentum while managing to retain the unhurried character of the earlier compositions. Maclean’s creative mind and aesthetics are obvious in every aspect of this album, his piano solos both lyrical and invigorating, supported by a stellar rhythm section. The album features fiercely strong trumpet solos from Brownman Ali, indicative of Freddie Hubbard’s style at times and distinctively unique."
- Ivana Popovic, The WholeNote (Toronto, Canada) - See full article
"Nick’s mighty mellow keyboards lead this dynamic quartet, through a series of high-energy originals and re-imagined Hancock tunes in an album that just demands to be in your long-term collection… if you’re like me, though, you’ll be pushing this out to your player & listening to it every time you take a cruise… folks, if you ain’t snappin’ all five of those digits along with the heavy rhythm on this one, you are NOT the “jazz fan” you claim to be... Ali’s trumpet just SHINES [and] it was an easy pick for personal favorite of the eleven songs offered up — Brownman’s original, “Madness Of Nero“, the longest cut on the album, gives each player a chance to show their significant chops… it’s certainly the best trumpet-led piece I’ve heard in 2017. I give Nick & the rest of the quartet a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this thrilling jazz adventure."
- Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation (Washington, USA) - See full article
"...Nick MacLean may have set out to make this a homage to Mr. Hancock, he has, in fact also paid his proverbial, obligatory dues to the venerable pianist, he is ready – and has – moved on very quickly into a musical territory that has rightfully claimed as his own. “Goldberg Machine and “Elasticity of Time and Space” are two of the highest “highs” on this record. Each melody is so lyrical that often during the choruses one feels as if there is a spectral voice somewhere, “singing out the melody”. This is Mr. Maclean’s music, evocative of the poetry of feeling. It is also a great fortune to have fellow rhythmists in bassist Jesse Dietschi and drummer Tyler Goertzen along for the ride. And what a thrill it appears to be to have Brownman Ali to be the other lead voice on this recording. The trumpeter’s burnished notes – even those articulated using a wah-wah pedal effect – make for gleaming phrases and his solo on his original, “Madness of Nero” is utterly memorable...this music does more than just swing delightfully, but also seeks to reflect on more profound aspects of human existence. This together with the fact that you will be hard-pressed to find another production this good makes Rites of Ascension quite as unforgettable."
- Raul da Gama, Toronto Music Report (Toronto, Canada) - See full article
"Rites Of Ascension is one of the best [recordings] I have heard this year (and I receive about 60 + per month). Well above average, and that Brownman Ali is just fantastic and sure rings a bell for me! Nick Maclean's compositions and renditions of Herbie's stuff is of the highest standard. Bring them to Montreal please!"
- Richard Therien at CKVL 100.1FM (Montreal, Canada)
"With a balanced mix of originals and arrangements of well-known modern standards, this quartet is a joy to listen to and has a stunning group chemistry." 9.5/10 rating
- Adorjan Horvat, Staccatofy Magazine - See full article
"We first heard of pianist and composer Nick Maclean in association with Snaggle, a Toronto based fusion band. We were impressed with his effort there and even more so in this effort as a leader with bassist Jesse Dietschi, Brownman Ali on trumpet, and drummer Tyler Goertzen. Rites of Ascension includes four re-crafted Hancock tunes as Nick is clearly influenced by the master, a good thing! The covers are fresh and Maclean’s original work allows further expression of his identity. The quartet is a tight unit and Ali’s melodies are crisp with rich tone. We enjoyed the entire set and kept it in our rotation for several weeks. It’s still in the changer!"
- O's Place Jazz Magazine - See full article
"The depth of the synergistic connectivity between all 4 hand-picked members of Maclean’s quartet are a cornerstone to the ensemble’s sound and group dynamic. Thus its completion represents Maclean’s examination of the modern jazz ethos with all the intriguing challenges, opportunities and possibilities that go with it."
- Jazz Blues News Space - See full article
"Nick Maclean's "Rites Of Ascension" is nicely twisted and baked! A fresh look at Herbie Hancock classics and delicious new original themes all presented with taste and virtuosity. No safety net here, everyone is living on the edge. Nick's playing and writing is sublime, Brownman sounds ferocious and the rhythm section is an unstoppable force. This is truly jazz at it’s adventurous best. I love the music these guys make. You will too.
- Bruce Cassidy (Blood, Sweat & Tears Musical Director '04-'09, renonwed EVI player)
"Nick Maclean stands out for me as one of the most gifted young Toronto pianists to come along in the last few years. His combination of raw creativity and a well studied grasp of the technical and theoretical aspects of music makes for a powerful musical statement."
- Adrean Farrugia, Juno Award winning jazz pianist
"This recording is everything a true “tribute” should be – homage to the inspiration and influence the towering figure of Herbie Hancock has provided to this young pianist, expressed through a voice that is very much one’s own. Nick Maclean’s is a voice we should all look forward to hearing more from."
- Dave Restivo, Canadian Jazz Piano icon
"Many describe Nick Maclean as a "rising star", but those of us that heard him this afternoon think otherwise — *that* star has "already" risen! Not to mention elite trumpeter Brownman Ali, Nick Arsenault (b), and Mike Rajna (d). Awesome guys!!!"
- Markham Jazz Festival 2018 (Markham, Canada), from post-show Facebook Post
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