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CD Reviews: Marc McDonald, “It Doesn’t End Here”
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Posted by: editoron Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 12:09 AM |
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By: Edward Blanco
After more than twenty-five years as a sideman, alto saxophonist and composer Marc McDonald makes his recording debut as leader with one of the finest mainstream jazz albums of the year. Except for three light standards given refreshing new arrangements, McDonald contributes eight original compositions containing influences from bop, Brazilian and a bit of New Orleans R&B. British-born McDonald, who now resides in New York, has led various groups in the NewYork/New Jersey area for over twenty-five years.
He records this exquisite debut with an amazing quintet that includes pianist Jim Ridl, Karl Spicer on the bass, drummer Gene Lewin and guitarist Steve Cardenas appearing on five tracks. There are a lot of great alto players in the jazz world of today and we are still fortunate to have the likes of Lee Konitz, Phil Woods and Bud Shank with us. McDonald plays with fluidity and crispness that marks him in the mold of these jazz icons and had he not waited so long for his first offering, who knows where this comparison may have led.
Leading off with the title tune, McDonald shows his more than ample chops with a soaring alto that sets the stage for what one is in for with this CD. Guitarist Cardenas has the honor of the first solo and delivers riveting riffs, but in the end it’s the leader who gets the majority of the solos in scorching fashion. The saxophonist floats a very nice melody with his second original in “Floating,” a softer-toned ballad piece backed up by the steady play from pianist Ridl.
There are many renditions of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” but none have the boppish flair that McDonald provides on this version accompanied by a delicate run from Ridl on the piano. Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies” is given one delicious overhaul as the saxophonist goes on a tare and leaving quite an impression collaborating once again with the pianist.
The last standard, “This Heart of Mine” may not be as familiar with jazz fans as McDonald borrows the tune from an old Fred Astaire movie providing one more showcase for Ridl before taking over the tune for himself.
“In Exile” provides the only real slow burner of a ballad here featuring the altoist in a soft and warm style revealing another side of the leader. His tune “Hero Worship” features a bit more of the hard bop in style then ends with the slightly Brazilian-shaded “You Laugh” completing one very enjoyable album from start to finish. Could not be more impressed with this first solo effort from veteran alto saxophonist Marc McDonald, “It Doesn’t End Here’ marks only the beginning for this late starter whose stellar charts, arrangements of standards and mean blowing of the alto, makes this one compelling jazz album that deserves to be heard.
Year: 2008
Label: No End In Sight Records Artist Web: www.marcmcdonaldmusic.com
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