A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Al McLean has resided in Montreal since 1995. He is a sought-after freelance saxophonist, as well as an expert in saxophone history and restoration.

​

Al McLean is featured in over 100 short films, most of which are part of the "Jazz, Period." series by Montreal filmmaker Randy Cole.  McLean draws performers and students from diverse locations around the world to perform or study in Montreal.

 

McLean has been a featured artist with l'Orchestre national  jazz de Montreal, and has recorded with the legendary saxophonist Azar Lawrence on multiple releases (Cellar Live).  He is the regular saxophonist for vocalists Colin Hunter and Susie Arioli, and is a featured soloist, composer, and arranger for the Joe Sullivan Big Band, and the Vic Vogel Big Band.

 

Additionally, McLean has performed and recorded worldwide with countless artists, including Oliver Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Jaleel Shaw, Bill Easley, Lenny White, Tyler Mitchell, Gary Smulyan, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Seamus Blake, and Slide Hampton.  Al McLean’s improvisations have been described as “a fluid, masterful account of the entire lineage of the saxophone”.