Bernie McGann Anyone?

[chitownjazz]

I've searched the threads and found Bernie's name mentioned, but it looks like it's high time he's got his own thread as he will turn 70 next year according to his Wikipedia entry. He's a fine and distinctive Australian altoist who's sometimes been compared to Ornette, but that comparison's way off the mark as far as I'm concerned. He does have free-boppish overtones to his playing, but he's not as hard-edged or free as prime Ornette. Many of his records have been put out on the Rufus records label (Rufus Records) and a couple were reissued in the U.S. and are available used for next to nothing on Amazon. I'm two CDs behind on him - Live at Side On and Blues for Pablo Too. Anyone heard these two or know of a good outlet for them in the U.S.?

[Larry Kart]

A wonderful homegrown player. Don't know the two newer discs. I agree about the alleged Ornette resemblance being deceiving -- I think McGann esssentially made himself, though bits of Rollins and Jackie McLean must have been present at or near the conception. He feels his way note to note, a la latter-day Konitz.

[Chuck Nessa]

I only have a couple of his recordings and from that example agree with the statements made so far.

[paul secor]

I've searched the threads and found Bernie's name mentioned, but it looks like it's high time he's got his own thread as he will turn 70 next year according to his Wikipedia entry. He's a fine and distinctive Australian altoist who's sometimes been compared to Ornette, but that comparison's way off the mark as far as I'm concerned. He does have free-boppish overtones to his playing, but he's not as hard-edged or free as prime Ornette. Many of his records have been put out on the Rufus records label (Rufus Records) and a couple were reissued in the U.S. and are available used for next to nothing on Amazon. I'm two CDs behind on him - Live at Side On and Blues for Pablo Too. Anyone heard these two or know of a good outlet for them in the U.S.?

Side at Live On and Blues for Pablo Too are both available from Cadence.

I'm unfamiliar with his music. Can anyone make a recommendation of a good Bernie McGann recording?

[Chuck Nessa]

Try McGann, McGann. I see it is available at Amazon.

[chitownjazz]

Side at Live On and Blues for Pablo Too are both available from Cadence.

I'm unfamiliar with his music. Can anyone make a recommendation of a good Bernie McGann recording?

Indeed they are, I thought I remembered checking there but I must have remembered incorrectly.

McGann, McGann, Playground, and Bundeena are all excellent. The first two are available on the Terra Nova imprint in the U.S. Looking through my stuff here I discovered a second copy of Bundeena. Paul, if you want it as part of the "Pay it Forward" game let me know by PM, I'll earmark it for you.

[Bluesman]

Just for a change, someone whose recordings I have easy access to on local labels.

All of the Rufus stuff is brilliant.

[Clunky]

MCGann came to Edinburgh with his quartet a year or so ago. Very good player, picked upa couple of nice discs whose names I forget - both excellent on Rufus

[relyles]

Try McGann, McGann. I see it is available at Amazon.

I ordered a copy for $1.99 from half.com.

[relyles]

Try McGann, McGann. I see it is available at Amazon.

I ordered a copy for $1.99 from half.com.

I was just reminded today that I never received this disc.

[clifford_thornton]

I have the Emanems and they are quite good.