ANTIGONISH, N.S. — Donald MacLennan can’t wait to come home and share his gift with music – particularly jazz – aficionados of Antigonish.
An Antigonish native of 15 years, MacLennan will be accompanied by his friend Duane Andrews, bringing a unique flavour of jazz to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, July 3, at 7 p.m..
MacLennan noted the musical influence he and Andrews first connected with the most was the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappeli, in the style of the Hot Club of France.
"It’ swing music from the 1930s and 40s. We both had a love of for it and we connected and played our first real show at Immaculata Hall. It was great,” MacLennan said. “We’ve been friends and have been making music together ever since.”
MacLennan hopes to recapture how great their first show was in Antigonish. This is likely to happen because of how accessible the music is, he noted.
“The style itself is very recognizable, and most people have heard it in some shape or form, whether they realize it or not,” MacLennan said. “I think there will be a nice crowd and we’ll see some familiar faces. We’re looking forward to it.”
MacLennan and Andrews are bringing a bit of star power to town as well. MacLennan is an East Coast Music Awards (ECMA)-nominated vocalist and violinist, while Andrews is a Juno and ECMA winner on the guitar.
Andrews is well-reputed for his solo recordings and work with groups like the Swinging Belles, and Fretboard Journey, and has received recognition at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the ECMAS and MusicNL, with tours taking him to the far ends of the globe.
MacLennan is known for his spontaneous and passionate musical performances, having performed with Ben Caplan, The Modern Grass, SuddenlyLISTEN the Upstream Music Ensemble.
MacLennan performs with his own Gypsy jazz project and received the Music NS Jazz Recording of the Year award for his debut album.
MacLennan and Andrews will be accompanied by Graham Scott on the accordion, Michael Dalton on the guitar and Jordan Stephens on the bass.
MacLennan noted he move away from Antigonish about four years ago, “and I haven’t been back too much – hardly at all, really. But I’m looking forward to this because I love Antigonish and all the people here so much. I’m really excited to be coming back and playing music in the town where it, essentially, all began.”
