Jazz Articles about Sean McDonald

About Sean McDonald

Album Review

Frank Swart: This Is The One! (Raison D'êTre)

Read "This Is The One! (Raison D'êTre)" reviewed by Kyle Simpler

by Kyle Simpler
July 27, 2026

There is a common misconception that musical artists who release albums usually tour to promote them. While this may be true for the most part, there are exceptions. San Francisco-based bassist and composer Frank Swart is quick to point out that artists such as The Beatles were more focused on spending time in the studio creating albums than taking the show on the road. Swart's project Funkwrench Blues uses the studio to full effect, and this is evident on This Is The ...

Album Review

Sean McDonald: Have Mercy!

by Ron Kalb
June 15, 2026

Have Mercy!--Sean McDonald's 2025 debut album on the Little Village Foundation label--introduces a young artist whose greatest strength may be his ability to absorb blues, soul and early rock 'n' roll traditions without sounding bound by them. The 24-year-old singer, guitarist and songwriter understands these forms deeply enough to make them his own. The album's influences are often easy to spot. “My Soul" carries the buoyant feel of Elvis Presley's “All Shook Up," complete with “uh-ah-huh" harmony ...