If you tune into the 5@5 podcast, you’ve heard a couple of tracks from Grain of Sand by Bill McBirnie and Bruce Jones.

This record excites me mostly because it’s outside the realm of our typical submissions but more so because this Extreme Flute has kept my spirits high, mind focused, and mood uplifted for the past couple of weeks.

Easy to listen to, intricate and complex enough to never be boring, and soothing to the soul, Grain of Sand is a must have in your collection of contemporary jazz flute albums.

What? You haven’t started that collection yet!? Now’s the perfect moment to jump on that frequency.

Bill McBirnie is a Canadian jazz and Latin flutist. He is also a teacher, clinician and woodwind columnist with Canadian Music magazine. You can also find him serving as resident jazz flute specialist at Sir James Galway’s Official Website. He also provides online lessons.

With that said, there is no need for me to drill into your head the exceptional quality of these finely crafted, composed, and arranged masterpieces.

There’s also no reason for me to mention how skilled McBirnie is with his Extreme Flute or how much more awesome the Grain of Sand album is because Bruce Jones contributed his singing and songwriting expertise.

If you want to know about that partnership, check out my interview with Bill.

I will tell you that Grain of Sand is 100% original material in a variety of Brazilian musical formats and includes an abundance of improvised flute work. It is a delight to the ears, especially if you’re into new, refreshing music.

Your copy of Grain of Sand is waiting for you here. You can connect with the Extreme Flute on FB.