Earl MacDonald

Described as “a magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids” (Hartford Courant) and “a major force in the world of jazz composition” (Dan Bilawsky, AllAboutJazz.com), MacDonald’s inexhaustible commitment to the jazz art form reveals itself in his performing, composing and teaching.

All seven of MacDonald’s albums differ in instrumentation — ranging from a quartet comprised of cello, saxophone, piano & percussion to a full 17-piece jazz big band. This variance speaks to MacDonald’s restless artistic spirit, unquenchable inquisitiveness and his desire to continue stretching himself musically. Such experimentation led one reviewer to speculate vis-à-vis “. . . an attempt to create a hybrid jazz form” (JazzReview.com). Each project leaves an indelible impression, garnering critical acclaim and accolades: two Independent Music Awards (for Jazz Song and Jazz Producer of the Year) and two JUNO nominations for jazz album of the year.

As a composer, MacDonald embraces the roles of social commentator and provocateur, broaching consequential subject matter in his music. In addition to composing music for his own ensembles and recording projects, MacDonald often receives commissions to write pieces for jazz big bands. Praised for his creative compositional voice, MacDonald won the Sammy Nestico Award, sponsored by the Airmen of Note, was a finalist for Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Award (during his affiliation with the BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop in New York City) and twice he appeared as a finalist for the ArtEZ Composition Contest in the Netherlands. His compositions for 17-piece jazz orchestra have been performed by professional and university- based ensembles across North America.

MacDonald serves as a professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut. The UConn Chapter of the AAUP honored MacDonald with its Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award (2006), and the Teaching Promise award (2003). In 2013 he garnered the Outstanding Faculty Award for the School of Fine Arts. His passion for jazz education stretches beyond UConn; he adjudicates educational jazz festivals in the U.S. and Canada, presents at conferences, conducts high school honor bands, and teaches at summer programs and jazz camps.

His own education includes a bachelor of music degree in jazz performance at Montréal’s McGill University and a master of music degree from Rutgers, where he apprenticed with NEA Jazz Master, Kenny Barron. (Barron’s recording of MacDonald’s Wanton Spirit earned a Grammy- nomination.) MacDonald jokes about “attending the Maynard Ferguson Finishing School for Bandleaders-in-Training.” The experience he gained as Ferguson’s pianist and musical director at the end of the 1990s cast a formative imprint.

Open Borders (2017)

"The leader’s gifts with the pen are apparent, as the sound of ten can balloon to the sonic proportions of twenty or fold inward to sound like a small combo."

~ Dan Bilawsky, All-About-Jazz

"Diversity, dynamism, and equilibrium are fundamental aspects in Earl MacDonald’s music- making. These eleven stylishly orchestrated pieces are a pure reflection of his musical capabilities."

~ Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail.net

"Man oh man, do these arrangements crackle with spirit! From the high-flying 'Dig In Buddy' to the exhilarating Latin flavors 'Dolphy Dance,' MacDonald’s prodigious gifts as an arranger shine."

~ Mike Jurkovic, All-About-Jazz

Press Quotes, listed by album:

Open Borders (2017)

"The leader’s gifts with the pen are apparent, as the sound of ten can balloon to the sonic proportions of twenty or fold inward to sound like a small combo."

~ Dan Bilawsky, All-About-Jazz

"Diversity, dynamism, and equilibrium are fundamental aspects in Earl MacDonald’s music- making. These eleven stylishly orchestrated pieces are a pure reflection of his musical capabilities."

~ Filipe Freitas, JazzTrail.net

"Man oh man, do these arrangements crackle with spirit! From the high-flying 'Dig In Buddy' to the exhilarating Latin flavors 'Dolphy Dance,' MacDonald’s prodigious gifts as an arranger shine."

~ Mike Jurkovic, All-About-Jazz

"This is inspired playing that really delivers the goods well. Hot stuff throughout."

~ Chris Spector, Midwest Record

"On pense souvent à Oliver Nelson en écoutant les arrangements pour cet ensemble. Beau son d’orchestre avec une certaine énergie et solistes pertinents."

Translation: One often thinks of Oliver Nelson while listening to the arrangements for this ensemble. Beautiful orchestral sounds with a certain energy and relevant soloists.

~ Thierry Giard, Culture Jazz, France

". . . dexterous soloists amplify MacDonald’s invariably sharp and engaging charts. . . well-drawn and listenable contemporary jazz of the first order."

~ Jack Bowers, All-About-Jazz

Mirror of the Mind (2013)

"Mirror Of The Mind, from pianist Earl MacDonald and the Creative Opportunity Workshop, is an album that surprises and delights—from the unusual piano, cello, sax and percussion line-up to the mix of styles and inspirations that influence MacDonald's writing."

~ Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

"Mirror of the Mind is another great installment in the interesting, endeavors and ever-growing catalog of pianist/composer Earl MacDonald. Chamber Jazz at its best."

~ H. Allen Williams, Jazz Times

"Pianist Earl MacDonald succeeds in carving out a brand new niche for himself separating his past from this new vision of jazz yet to be clearly defined. A clever and innovative production from one of the most accomplished pianists in the business, Mirror of the Mind is truly a challenging listen taking jazz to a different level, one in which pianist Earl MacDonald and his Creative Opportunity Workshop are the pioneers."

~ Edward Blanco, All About Jazz

"A magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids, Earl MacDonald, the Canadian-born, Connecticut- based pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader and educator, has created yet another visionary, surprise-filled work with the release of his new CD, 'Mirror of the Mind,' featuring his hand- picked jazz chamber group, the Creative Opportunity Workshop."

~ Owen McNally, The Hartford Courant

Re:Visions (2010)

"Every single track has been carefully thought out and there's zero rambling or solo padding."

~ Marc Myers, Jazz Wax

"Re:Visions goes beyond where most big bands go and the music here establishes Earl MacDonald as a major force in the world of jazz composition."

~ Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

"Pianist-composer-arranger Earl MacDonald is in the strictest sense of the word an artistic visionary."

~ George W. Carrol, NiteLifeExchange.com

Echoes In The Night (2005)

“The debut CD of the Earl MacDonald 6, Echoes In The Night, is a classy recording with excellent ensemble playing, interesting arrangements, and well-crafted solos. The ensemble’s conceptual approach to its music provides a strong unifying feature throughout the CD and makes for an interesting, as well as, enjoyable listening experience.”

~ Frank Bongiorno, Saxophone Journal

“Sea Breeze is a 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 very ingratiating and delightful, if not startlingly original.”

~ Budd Kopman, allaboutjazz.com

“Jazz pianist, educator, & composer Earl MacDonald has assembled six extremely talented players, gifted in the art of expressing jazz with his current CD effort, 'Echoes In The Night.' The overall artistic contour of the disc is as smooth as it gets for the bebop idiom. . . all accented by unexpected counterpoint and tons of interesting rhythmic variety. I sense an attempt by the group to create a hybrid jazz form. If I’m on the right track, I feel their pursuit is a worthy goal. Last, may I say that the group’s extemporaneous musical expression of ideas, emotions, and their life experiences are exemplified quite well in the delivery of their total musical offering.”

~ George W. Carrol, JazzReview.com

“Jazz mainstreamers will find this music delightfully approachable . . . avant garde lovers will delight in the subtle way these players stray again and again from dyed in-the-wool generic sounds.”

~ Paul Lewis, allaboutjazz.com

“The inspired solo work flows from the clever writing contained in Earl MacDonald’s charts, and the smooth overall aspect of the music is both swinging and tuneful. Nice sounds with excellent solos and a hip rhythm section.”

~ Al Merritt, jazznow.com

“The sound of this sextet is unique and if they strived for originality, they achieved it with total success. 4 Stars.”

~ John Gilbert, ejazznews.com

“This group works a well-worn field but they do it with style and intelligence.”

~ Jerome Wilson, Cadence Magazine, The Review of Jazz & Blues: Creative Improvised Music

Schroeder's Tantrum (1997)

“This is a rare debut session that shows great promise and great achievement. Not surprisingly, MacDonald’s own playing seems to probe the deepest spirit of the works.”

~ David Dupont, Cadence Magazine

“MacDonald makes a confident first impression with his writing. Everything seems to sit well with his musicians.”

~ Mark Miller, Toronto Globe and Mail

“It’s not just the way he plays but the way he writes. Earl MacDonald channels his arresting chops into intriquing melodies that hold your hearing even as your foot taps into overtime. The floating charms of 'Wanton Spirit' and the Monkish wit of 'Schroeder’s Tantrum' mark only two aspects of MacDonald’s lively imagination. In the near future we’ll hear even more; stick around.”

~ Randal McIllroy, Coda Magazine

“Earl has a quality and tone that is truly distinctive. His compositions are imaginative and to top it off, he plays with intellect, passion and most importantly, creativity.”

~ Ross Porter, Canadian former broadcast executive, producer & radio host (CBC Radio Two and JAZZ FM91)

“With all due respect to Earl’s powerful pianistic prowess, it is his compositional character that will distinguish this serious artist from the rest of the crowd. Reminiscent of the heyday of BlueNote creations, originals deserving wider recognition include 'The Din of Strife,' 'Multiple J’s,' the challenging 'Schroeder’s Tantrum,' and Kenny Barron’s favorite, the beguiling 'Wanton Spirit' – and what whets Barron’s appetite will undoubtedly capture the imagination of many others.”

~ Ray Alexander, Jazz Report Magazine

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Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Hartford

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Earl MacDonald teaches at the University of Connecticut. Although he is not currently accepting private students outside of UConn, he has posted several free, online jazz piano and improvisation lessons on his website.

Clinic/Workshop Information

MacDonald has enjoyed guest conducting opportunities with a wide range of ensembles including the U.S.A.F. Airmen of Note, the BMI-New York Jazz Orchestra, the UConn Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, university jazz ensembles at North Texas, Northern Illinois, Rutgers, the University of Manitoba, and Amherst College, as well as regional high school honor ensembles throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the MENC All-Eastern Jazz Ensemble. He works as an adjudicator and clinician at educational jazz festivals, in- service conferences, and summer camps across Canada and the United States.