{audio}mp3/The Owe Joe.mp3{/audio}

In January 2003 Earl was awarded a Connecticut Commission on the Arts grant to write and record new works with this ensemble. Following the release of their debut CD "Echoes In The Night", the group was named "Best Jazz Group" in the Hartford Advocate's Readers' Poll. Despite the inescapable influence of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, MacDonald is committed to presenting original music with his personal stamp on it. Don’t expect yet another derivative jazz band determined to recreate the music of a past era.

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, March 2005

Joe Magnarelli - trumpet

Dick Oatts - alto sax

Steve Davis - trombone

Earl MacDonald - piano

Dave Santoro - bass

Tom Melito - drums