August McKinney is a pianist based in Montreal. Although he is a jazz student at McGill, he also dabbles in folk/pop singing, with a Montreal indie trend. It is within this latter aesthetic that Wind finds its place. With economical arrangements of a classic/jazz nature, McKinney sings six rather subdued, soothing, and intimate tracks. A rather lovely voice, silky, with a slight grain that is not unpleasant.
The cohesion with his companions is good, although their discretion leaves all the space for McKinney, his voice, and his piano (and a few very occasional electronic touches). Julian Ferrer on drums, Sam Ripat on double bass are present in all the pieces (a conventional trio format, then), and Dave Hjin and Daniel Marmer appear on guitar in one song each. The title track, Wind, stands out clearly with its catchy melody and optimism bathed in a simple light and an ease that invites you to be lulled.
An unpretentious album, which demonstrates beautiful qualities that we will enjoy discovering more fully in future truly jazz adventures.
