MacDonald Brought the Shock
Jamil Ragland
Midbrow
July 21, 2026
“…a group that uses music as a way to respond directly to the social and ethical realities of the present moment.”
“Perhaps what we’re missing is the shock, the grim confrontation of what the world is facing in the exact moments we’re trying to forget. Earl MacDonald and the Black Square Ensemble brought that Monday evening.”
Concert Review
Karen Engdahl
The Vermont Journal
February 5, 2018
“His 18-member ensemble packed a big musical punch with their four concert selections, including ‘Cirrus,’ one of MacDonald’s own compositions.”
UConn Professor Releases CD with an Intimate Crowd
Brea Patterson
The Daily Campus
October 13, 2013
“Many of his songs were accompanied by images, drawings and videos playing on the screen behind the group. The music and the imagery were heavy and emotional, allowing the performance to move the audience more deeply.”
New Directions Ensemble Debut
Chuck Obuchowski
The Hartford Courant
August 3, 2010
“His solid arrangements of standards like “East of the Sun” and “Blame It on My Youth” were juxtaposed with strong original material. ‘Smoke and Mirrors,’ a recent MacDonald composition, stood out for its ability to convey complex 12-tone concepts in a deceptively simple manner.”
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra
Chris Smith
The Winnipeg Free Press
May 11, 2001
“MacDonald is an excellent pianist and his soloing and comping were both top-notch.”
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
Cam Fuller
The Star Phoenix
June 23, 1998
“MacDonald had people shaking their heads in amazement with some of his solos.”
Jazz Winnipeg Festival
Randal McIlroy
Coda Magazine
November 1994
“The affirmative festival vote was pianist Earl MacDonald opening for (Joshua) Redman.”