DON MACDONALD

SHORT STORIES

Independent Label

Don Macdonald, voice/violin/alto saxophone; David Restivo, piano; Mike Rud, guitar; Jill McKenna, bass; Joel Fountain, drums; Allison Girvan, voice; Kiyo Elkuf, tenor saxophone.

This album called “Short Stories” is a bold new release from an acclaimed Canadian composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer.  He opens with “Sofia’s Coming Out.”   It features a New Orleans-inspired, second-line drum feel.

Macdonald has written seven original songs for this album and covers three songs, one by Bob Dylan (One More Cup of Coffee), the standard jazz tune “I Cover the Waterfront,” and the familiar blues tune by Jimmie Cox “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.”

Don Macdonald has deep roots in both folk and contemporary music.  Those two genres color and elevate his jazzy approach in this “Short Stories” album.  You hear it clearly during his interpretation of the Jimmie Cox blues tune.  JUNO-winning, Mike Rud, gives a soulful guitar solo during this arrangement.

The bass of Jill McKenna opens a song called “Clementine.”  This tune swings.  It has a two-feel at the top, but soon McKenna is walking that double bass with power and finesse.  David Restivo takes an inspired piano solo until Macdonald reenters at the bridge.  Then Jill steps forward on her bass instrument and takes a brief solo.  Joel Fountain displays his chops on the drums at the tale end of this song.  The tune is followed by a bluesy composition called “Sonny’s Bridge.”   It’s got an interesting and lovely minor melody.   This tune quickly becomes a favorite of mine.  Kiyo Elkuf plays a sexy, soulful tenor saxophone solo.

Don Macdonald is a storyteller.  His jazz is presented with his own unique personality and pulse. His songwriting is lyrical.  I never have trouble understanding his stories.  His enunciation is perfect.  Another beautifully written piece is titled, “Fate.”  It employs a Latin swing feel.

Macdonald is a film composer with over fifty credits that include 3 Leo Awards and 2 Canadian Screen Award nominations.  At the Gerardmer Film Festival in France, he won an award for Best Soundtrack for the cult classic “Fido.”   This album is comprised of Macdonald’s musician friends and fellow faculty members from the Selkirk College Contemporary Music and Technology Program.

The music introduces you to Don Macdonald, who not only sings and composes but also plays violin and alto saxophone. His violin swings hard on “Stormy Night With You.”  Mike Rud also adds his compelling guitar solo, reminding me a bit of Django Reinhardt.  There is something for everyone on this album.  Macdonald even includes a couple of vocal duets with Allison Girvan.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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