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Earl MacDonald: Re: Visions
by Edward Blanco
There are far too few big band albums being recorded these days, so it is with great appreciation that the music of professor Earl MacDonald finds its way to the studio for lovers of the genre to enjoy. Harnessing the talents of a 17-piece, world-class orchestra, MacDonald--a composer/arranger/pianist and director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut--manages to produce a scintillating frame of big band orchestrations on Re: Visions. No stranger to the big band arena, MacDonald is an ...
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by Dan Bilawsky
The big band era ended long ago, but the world is a better place because people like pianist Earl MacDonald still yearn to keep it alive in some way. MacDonald--a composer, arranger, pianist and Director of jazz studies at the University of Connecticut--is probably best known for his work in jazz education and his time spent with Maynard Ferguson, serving as musical director, pianist and arranger for the trumpet titan. Despite his considerable skills behind the piano, it's his composing ...
read moreEarl MacDonald: Re:Visions
by Mark Corroto
There is a reason that the saying, “keeping it fresh" is rarely uttered in the same sentence as “17-piece jazz orchestra"--because a large orchestra in the world of jazz tends to maneuver about as delicately as an army deploys. Well, that is unless your jazz army is under the direction of Earl MacDonald. He commands his troops on Re:Visions to be both flexible and nimble. This buoyant recording is a big band record for those who prefer the dexterity of ...
read moreThe Earl MacDonald 6: Echoes In The Night
by Budd Kopman
Sea Breeze is fine mainstream label that deserves recognition for putting out Echoes In The Night by the talented pianist Earl MacDonald and his new sextet. The music is nevertheless very ingratiating and delightful, if not startlingly original. Currently the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut, MacDonald has put together a group of talented, like-minded musicians who share the common goal of writing and playing music that is “in the tradition without slavishly imitating ...
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