A decade ago, Hartford Courant jazz columnist Owen McNally described MacDonald as “a magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids.” Today, McNally’s words ring truer than ever. MacDonald’s latest ensemble features an operatic bass baritone with NY Met experience, a prize-winning classical cellist, a jazz flutist, and a top-tier rhythm section drawing from a plethora of styles. The music blends jazz-inspired harmonies with the phrasing and articulation of Western European classical tradition, resulting in a fusion that is stunning, fresh, and delightful.
Earl MacDonald’s Black Square Ensemble was formed from MacDonald’s desire to contribute to dialogues on human rights, climate concerns, common-sense gun reform, and racial justice. To achieve this, MacDonald has ventured beyond his jazz roots into the realms of art song, song cycles, and vocal chamber music. He has carefully selected poems and set them to music, aiming to amplify their emotional impact through the universal power of music. Represented poets include Sara Goudarzi, the Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger, Everette Hoagland, and UConn’s own Professor Penelope Pelizzon.
Drawing its name from Kazimir Malevich’s groundbreaking abstract painting, “Black Square,” MacDonald’s ensemble mirrors the painting’s innovative spirit with a sophisticated approach and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
MacDonald looks forward to debuting his new compositions before entering the recording studio in March 2025. Expect the unexpected from this seasoned, award-winning artist who isn’t content to rest on his laurels.
Meet the Musicians:
- Pianist, Composer: Earl MacDonald is a Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut. MacDonald’s accolades include a 2022 Covenant Award from GMA Canada, the Connecticut Office of the Arts’ 2020 Artistic Excellence Award, the Sammy Nestico Award for big band arranging, and two “jazz album of the year” JUNO Award nominations.
- Bass Baritone: Rod Nelman, a versatile and “superb singer-actor” (The Washington Times), has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, New World Symphony, Washington National Opera, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Arena di Verona.
- Cellist: Sophie Shao, a passionate artist whose performances the New York Times has described as “eloquent, powerful,” adds depth and texture to the group. She is the winner of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and top prizes at the Rostropovich and Tchaikovsky competitions.
- Flutist: Erica von Kleist, whose virtuosity and expressive playing have captivated audiences worldwide, enhances the ensemble’s sound with her lyrical melodies. Erica has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, among many others.
- String Bassist: Stephen Bulmer is a stalwart of the Hartford jazz scene. He is president and bassist with the New England Jazz Ensemble and serves on the board of the Hartford Jazz Society.
- Percussionist: Jonathan Barber was voted the #1 Up-and-Coming Drummer of 2018 in Modern Drummer. He has recorded and toured worldwide with such artists as Pat Metheny, Nicholas Payton, Buster Williams, Jeremy Pelt, Wallace Roney, Jennifer Holliday, Jimmy Greene, Harold Mabern, Steve Davis, Erykah Badu, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.