DON MALFON SOLO

SPAIN
CANADIAN PREMIERE

SUNDAY MAY 19    
ÉGLISE SAINT-CHRISTOPHE D'ARTHABASKA
1 PM - $26

Don Malfon : saxophones alto et baryton

Born in Barcelona, DON MALFON (Alfonso Muñoz) splits time between Catalonia and Mexico City, maintaining networks of collaboration in both Europe (including the likes of Agustí Fernández and Barry Guy) and Mexico. His 2022 solo recording, Mutable (Relative Pitch Records), did what would seem almost unthinkable when it was released, following decades of innovation by countless saxophone-innovator forebearers (indeed some of whom are present at the 40th FIMAV). The record announces a genuinely new vocabulary for saxophone improvisation. MALFON’s achievement stems foremost from his astonishing control and inventive deployment of metal mutes which not only vibrate in contact with his alto and baritone saxophones, but also serve to isolate overtones, which he harnesses to hauntingly evocative ends. Meanwhile, beyond the near-scientific precision of this fascinating area of saxophonic research, DON MALFON is a hugely compelling and commanding post-Ornette melodic stylist, and in sum a consummate contemporary musician.