Consecrated
Outside In Music, 2021
8/10
The Canada native and now Connecticut resident Earl MacDonald has been quite prolific with 7 albums under his belt now. Consecrated places more emphasis on vocals, where Karly Epp pulls off an incredible performance, and David Smith brings trumpet/flugelhorn, Kris Allen holds down saxophone, Karl Kohut plays bass, and Rogerio Boccato sits behind the drum kit.
“Be Still, My Soul” starts the listen with Epp's sublime and smooth vocals guiding the warm jazz climate that showcases MacDonald’s proficient piano playing, and “O God Of Love, Grant Us Your Peace” follows with Smith’s strategic horn amid the expressive singing and cautious landscape.
Entering the middle, “Holy, Holy, Holy” moves with much emotion, where elegance is present amid Kohut’s well timed bass playing, while “By Our Love” recruits french horn from Alex Gertner and bass trombone thanks to Sean Nelson for the stylish delivery that uses vocal scatting with much impact. “Take My Life, And Let It Be Consecrated” is the album standout, and pairs poetic singing with playful interaction between the drums, keys and guitars for a meticulously textured adventure.
“Be Thou My Vision” arrives late in the listen, and moves with a soulful quality in its heartfelt demeanor, and “In HIs Holy Temple” exits the listen with firm drumming and dreamy vocals in the more experimental finish to a very well thought out listen.
A highly personal outing for MacDonald, there’s a nice balance between spiritual moments and frisky bouts of swing fun that make for an exceptional modern jazz record.
Travels well with: Le GGRIL-- Sommes; Alex Lefaivre Quartet- Naufragés