Shifting Sands
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A very unique instrumental album where the Canadian artist Don Macdonald brings his violin to very detailed compositions, the inclusion of guitar, drums, piano, upright bass, and mandolin make for a very inviting listen.
The title track opens the listen with warm, fluid piano, as agile drumming and MacDonald’s precise strings enter the eclectic climate, and “Dali’s Hourglass” follows with mesmerizing keys from Dave Restivo alongside playfully plucked upright bass and, of course, the sublime violin prowess.
Halfway through, “Dreams Of Ozymandius” gets a bit haunting amid the classical ideas, while “La Tormenta” is a more upbeat selection that showcases plenty of melody in a jazz focused atmosphere.
Nearing the end, “Atacama” uses upright bass strategically to create a stirring mood of beauty and radiance, and “Homecoming” exits the listen with a frisky pulse of bouncy bass, Mike Rud’s rhythmic guitar and the meticulous violin thanks to Macdonald.
An effort that it isn’t short on grooves and world music nods, Macdonald and company weave in and out of atypical textures on this fusion affair that’s sure to keep the listener enthralled.