His signature weaving of electronica and acoustic piano come together again with a collection a jazz waltzes that echo Bill Evans's harmonic, melodic and improvisational influence.

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Contemporary Jazz, JAZZ: West Coast Jazz



Details:
Known for his soulful contemporary weaving of jazz and new age music, with such notable recent recordings on the EverSound label (Everlasting & Shadow Crossing), Curtis Macdonaldâs newest collection of instrumentals are a fusion of post war jazz standards and modern day electronica. Echoing the melodic, harmonic and improvisational influence of Bill Evans with a dash of Vince Guaraldi and with todayâs electronica melding into every know genre, a slight dusting of Esquivel, Curtis Macdonaldâs âCheshire Moonâ is a hint of retro but with a much hipper attitude.

These 7 jazz waltzes (and one in 5/4) are in traditional jazz trio instrumentation, acoustic piano, up-right bass, and brushed drums. Transparent electronica caress each arrangement to create a modern spin on a classic approach. Harking back to the day of age when long melodic sentences and a common A-B-A form were a West Coast Jazz tradition, Macdonaldâs take is original in essence and his signature lyrical improvised piano solos compliment the character of each composition.

A companion all-inclusive sheet music PDF file (all 8 pieces in one file) is available for those who would like to perform or record these New Contemporary Jazz Standards.

A self-taught musician from the early age of 6. Curtisâs love of jazz and improvisation was birthed by listening to many classic jazz recordings passed down by his uncle on his mother's side. He continued to teach himself theory and arrangement and followed it up with playing gigs starting at the age of 16. He received his A.A. in composition and theory at Moorpark JC, California and continued his education at California Institute of the Arts in Valencia California, receiving his BFA in composition. He began working in the entertainment industry as a composer and music editor after Cal Arts, and has been there ever since. He was fortunate to get signed to the EverSound Label in 2002 and has been able to share his personnel brand of music with the world. He continues to compose for Film, TV and interactive entertainment, but his love is to create memorable compositions and emotional and heartfelt improvisational performances.