Don Macdonald – Short Stories

Macdonald is based in Nelson, British Columbia. Short Stories is a fairly well-named album considering the fairly short song format (three minutes in general) of the ten tracks offered. Of the total, seven are original compositions and three are covers.

Macdonald practices a fairly classic style, deeply rooted in the Great American Songbook. It is in this sense that I allow myself to say that the quality of the writing, both in terms of melodies and lyrics, is excellent. All of Macdonald’s creations show a meticulous care in constructing attractive phrases, supported by texts woven with intelligence and subtlety. Without falling into superficial imitation, he manages to project an aura of solid attachment to tradition while offering something personal and authentic.

The voice has charm, the expression is that of a good storyteller, and the emotions easily mould to the different atmospheres, from seductive blues to warm ballads to more lively swing. Macdonald is very beautifully supported by Mike Rud on guitar, David Restivo on piano, Kiyo Elkuf on saxophone, and occasionally Allison Girvan on vocals (the duets with her are particularly successful).

An album that proves that keeping a rich tradition alive is not limited to repeating the past.