In the video premiering above, you are witnessing the birthing of a song. Toronto-based pianist Nick Maclean was tasked by his producer, the trumpeter Brownman Ali, to create a song using four certain chords and inspired by Lauryn Hill’s song “To Zion.”
The video provides a ‘fly on the wall’ perspective of ingenuity in motion as Maclean soaks in a snippet of the Hill tune and right after the not-yet-realized song is christened “Zion,” Nick Maclean’s mind and fingers go to work.
Taking his time and letting the music come to him, Maclean comes up with a pretty concept that serves as the intro segment. Then out comes a Keith Jarrett-style gospel boogie and by this point, Maclean is on a roll, playing interesting variations on the theme he had created.
This and seventeen other songs make up Nick Maclean’s upcoming solo piano album Can You Hear Me?, an assortment of originals, covers and interesting variations of covers. “Zion” is one of Maclean’s two improvisation pieces.
Can You Hear Me? goes on sale globally December 10, 2021 from Browntasaurus Records
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