The Earl MacDonald 6 was an early-career project that helped define MacDonald’s compositional voice—grounded in post-bop tradition, yet committed to originality, clarity of form, and contemporary expression. While influenced by ensembles such as the Jazztet and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, the group was never conceived as a revivalist exercise. The aim was not to recreate a past era, but to write forward-facing music for musicians with distinct, modern improvisational voices.
The sextet was described as “ingratiating and delightful, if not startlingly original,” and featured a handpicked roster of internationally respected artists who shared a common aesthetic: swing, substance, and restraint—without stylistic nostalgia.
Echoes In The Night
In January 2003, MacDonald was awarded a Connecticut Commission on the Arts grant to compose and record new works for this ensemble. The resulting album, Echoes In The Night, marked an important milestone in his development as a composer and bandleader.
Following the album’s release, the Earl MacDonald 6 was named “Best Jazz Group” in the Hartford Advocate Readers’ Poll.
Jazz critic Al Merritt wrote in his review for jazznow.com:
“The inspired solo work flows from the clever writing contained in Earl MacDonald’s charts, and the smooth overall aspect of the music is both swinging and tuneful. Nice sounds with excellent solos and a hip rhythm section.”
Another reviewer summarized the project succinctly:
“The sound of this sextet is unique and if they strived for originality, they achieved it with total success.”
— John Gilbert, ejazznews.com, March 2005 (4 stars)
Personnel
Joe Magnarelli — trumpet- Dick Oatts — alto saxophone
- Steve Davis — trombone
- Earl MacDonald — piano
- Dave Santoro — bass
- Tom Melito — drums
Selected Audio
An excerpt from the album is available below:
“The Owe Joe”, by saxophonist Dick Oatts
Current Status
The Earl MacDonald 6 is no longer an active, regularly performing ensemble. However, on rare occasions, MacDonald will reconvene a version of the group for special performances centered on the music from Echoes In The Night.
This project remains an important part of his artistic lineage—an early statement of values that continue to inform his work today: intentional composition, respect for improvisers, and music that resists both excess and imitation.