These recordings document the evolution of my work over time—across formats, ensembles, and shifting artistic priorities. While earlier albums are rooted primarily in the jazz tradition, more recent projects reflect an increasing focus on composition, structure, and socially engaged themes. Each recording marks a distinct chapter, shaped by the questions I was asking at the time.
A new vocal chamber album, Songs for a Shifting World, recorded with the Black Square Ensemble, is currently in post-production and scheduled for release in 2026.
Consecrated
Released September 24, 2021 on Outside in Music
Consecrated is an album of traditional Christian hymns, presented in a fresh, contemporary jazz style, to accentuate the rich poetry and to bring out subtle nuances that may have otherwise been overlooked.
• Buy the Album • Press Release [PDF version] • Credits • Album Liner Notes • Jazzifying Hymns • Selecting Musicians • Lyrics • Album Production • Why Record Hymns? • Music Videos • Thanks • Reviews • EPK – Electronic Press Kit (password protected).
Open Borders
2019 Independent Music Awards winner – Jazz Producer of the Year
• Buy the Album • Press Release • Album Liner Notes • About the Music • the Musicians • Earl MacDonald’s Yankee Gumbo • Recording Process • Videos • Thanks • Reviews •
Mirror of the Mind
2014 Juno Nominee for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year
• Buy the Album • Reviews • Press Release • About the Music • the Musicians • Production Credits • Why Cello? • Music Videos • Thanks •
re:Visions – Works for Jazz Orchestra
2011 Juno Nominee for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year
• Buy the Album • Reviews • About the Music • the Title • the Musicians • Preview Tracks • Production Credits • Publishing Info • Thanks •
Echoes In The Night
* SeaBreeze Records, 2004
features: Dick Oatts (a), Joe Magnarelli (trpt), Steve Davis (tbn), Dave Santoro (b), Tom Melito (dr).
• Buy the Album • Reviews •
Maynard Ferguson: Live From the King Cat Theatre in Seattle. DVD.
+ Paradise Media Partners.
(2004 release)
recorded: October 2, 1998
features: Adolfo Acosta, Carl Fischer, Frank Abrahamson, Mike Dubaniewicz, Jeff Rupert, Mike Bravin, Earl MacDonald, Paul Thompson and David Throckmorton.
(Earl fondly remembers this as his second gig with the Maynard Ferguson band.)
UConn Jazz
featuring Earl MacDonald & Jerry Bergonzi
*^SeaBreeze Vista Records:SBV-4550
(2002 release)
recorded: April 2002.
• Buy the Album •
Michael Feinstein: Big City Rhythms
with the Maynard Ferguson Big Band
+Concord Records, Inc.: CCD-4869-2
(1999 release)
recorded: August 1999 at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA.
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Schroeder’s Tantrum
* Radioland: RACD 10008 (1997 release)
features: Ralph Bowen (ts), Kevin Dean (trpt), Mike Downes (b), Ted Warren (dr).
recorded: June 1996.
• Buy the Album • Reviews •
Kenny Barron: Wanton Spirit
# Verve 522 364-2. (1994 release)
Kenny Barron (piano), Charlie Haden (bass) and Roy Haynes (drums).
Earl MacDonald composed the title track, “Wanton Spirit”.
recorded: February 1994.
- nominated for a Grammy award.
key:
* appears as performer, composer, arranger
+ appears as performer
# appears as composer, arranger
^ appears as director and / or conductor