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Earl MacDonald: Re:Visions

By Woodrow Wilkins
May 18, 2010
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In a period when many new recordings feature trios, quartets or other small ensembles, it's refreshing when a full-size orchestra comes along. Pianist, composer and arranger Earl MacDonald offers that refreshment with Re:Visions—Works for Jazz Orchestra.

MacDonald is a native of Winnipeg, Canada and director of jazz studies at the University of Connecticut. A winner of several awards, MacDonald spent two years as musical director, pianist and arranger for the Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau Band. He composed six of the nine selections on Re:Visions, for a 17-piece ensemble that's conducted by

Mike Holober

piano
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Holober.

One of the covers is "Friday Night at the Cadillac Club," a swinging, blues-jazz piece. The brass carry the lead in a brilliant fashion. The syncopation between the trumpets and the drums is tight. Solos are by guitarist

Pete McCann

guitar
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Pete McCann and drummer Jordan Perlson. Although bassist

Kenny Davis

bass
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Davis doesn't solo, his presence is felt throughout.

"Mr. Sunshine," an original that was commissioned by the USAF Airmen of Note in 2003, begins with some rim shots setting pace, muted trumpets and soft horns. Solos are by

Joe Magnarelli

trumpet
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Magnarelli on trumpet,

Jim Brenan

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Brenan on tenor sax and Perlson. One of the highlights is when Brenan puts the tenor through a series of rapid-note rolls.

"Bu Who," another of MacDonald's compositions, features more engaging stick work by Perlson and bass lines by Davis.

Michael Mossman

b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Mossman solos on muted trumpet. Trombonist

Craig Brenan

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Craig Brenan also solos.

The constants throughout Re:Visions are MacDonald's arrangements and his piano play. However, the beauty of this collection is the diversity of talent. The songs vary not only in composition, but also in the different voices by the soloists.

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Track Listing

Friday Night at the Cadillac Club; Mr. Sunshine; Measuring Up; Bad Dream; Joshua; Woody 'N You; Character Defect; Bu Who; Jana's Song.

Personnel

Earl MacDonald

piano

Tim Ries: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Marc Phaneuf: alto saxophone, flute, clarinet; Ralph Bowen tenor saxophone, flute; Jim Brenan: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Nick Marchione: trumpet; Michael Philip Mossman: trumpet; Pete Rodriguez: trumpet; Joe Magnarelli: trumpet; Bruce Eidem: trombone; Mark Patterson: trombone; Craig Brenan: trombone; Douglas Purviance: bass trombone; Pete McCann: guitar;?Kenny Davis: bass;?Jordan Perlson: drums; Earl MacDonald: piano, conductor.

Album information

Title: Re:Visions | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Death Defying Records

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