Lynn McDonald
 Things
are good in Lynn McDonald's life and it shows with the
release of her sixth CD. Described as her "happy
album", 'Song For My Father' is dedicated to her
father, Harvey Perry, and like most of the songstress's
work, it was inspired by major life events.
"I can't help but be an artist that
is autobiographical," says Lynn, who recorded 'Patina'
in 1998 with a host of "gorgeous, fat, beautiful
ballads" to mark the death of her mother.
Those difficult times seem behind her
now. Marrying French Horn player James MacDonald that
same year, the singer moved from Toronto Beaches to
Sonya, where the couple have transformed an 1892 church
into a home for themselves.
Every Sunday night, their basement comes
alive with Amis Du Jazz, the couples impromptu jazz
club welcoming talent from all over Ontario. Lynn has
since launched her own concert series for larger audiences
at Port Perry United Church, entitled 'Lynn McDonald
Presents'.
Lynn's newest CD was recorded in her church
basement in June of 2001. It features National Jazz
award-winning pianist Dave Restivo , bass playerJordan
O'Connor and drummer Ted Warren. The CD "crosses
a lot of boundaries" in terms of material, including
a cover of Prince's 'Waterfalls', says Lynn.
Having previously trained with various musical instructors,
including the New York Opera Company, Lynn also studied
at the University of Toronto FAculty of Music. Aside
from teaching vocal lessons privately, the singer has
performed in hundreds of clubs from Victoria to Quebec
City. Thankful to be out of the "smoky bar"
scene now, Lynn tries to help other musicians still
paying their dues by offering them a place to play and
maybe a meal beforehand.
Lynn says she owes the biggest debt of gratitude to
her father, who introduced her to jazz in the first
place. A trumpet player, Mr. Perry often took Lynn to
clubs with him. Belonging to that increasilngly rare
class of singers, Lynn posseses a wonderful ability
to sing standards, and her recent CD is testiment to
that fact. Click here to learn more about her newest
release.
back to top
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
- "Her concert at the National Arts Centre has
to rank as one of the highlights of the Ottawa International
Jazz Festival" Jaques Emand, Director
- "The lady sings so well, you should want something
more? Lynn is a vocalist with luxurience of voice
and mastery of its attendant technique" Cadence
Magazine review, 1997
- "An evening of Jazz singing would warm the
hardest of hearts... all delivered by a voice well
trained and technically skilled, yet warm and naturally
at home in the jazz idom. There were many moments
that equalled those times when onecould listen to
Peggy Lee at her best, or Ella Fitgerald singing scat."
The Mariposa Times
- "What a voice! That is a TRUE voice which like
Carmen McRae is able to handle complex Monk songs
- the ultimate test for the TRUE voice!" Katie
Malloch, CBC Jazzbeat
- "On Lynn's business cards the words 'with a
song in my heart', are written and when you hear her
sing, you know it is from the heart. McDonald's many
fans are thrilled by Lynn's large repertoire of tunes
and her delightful interpretations." Toronto
Jazz Magazine
- "Uponfirst hearing her sing, her classical
training is immediately apparent. She diaplays dynamics,
a 4 octave range, articluation and differentiation
of tone; elements sometimes lacking in jazz performance.
It is for those reasons and more that Lynn is considered
a jazz singer's singer" Toronto Mezzetta Review
- "Lynn McDonald is a REAL Jazz singer. She truly
hears the music when she sings and has a natural understanding
of the harmony of jazz, Lynn sings from her heart;
a rarity indeed." Carol Welsman, Jazz singer
and friend
- "Lynn has a style that is honest and uncluttered,
There is a relaxed warmth to her voice. What a range!"
St. Thomas weekly, Virgin Islands
- "Lynn delivers with a depth of feeling that
penetrates the songs true meaning and revitalises
the lyrics. She scats and swings with the best!"
Wally Dawson, Jazz DJ, CKLN Toronto.
- "This is very honest music. Lynn is a direct
person and her singing has a no-jive purity that I
find extremely refreshing. Besides being straight
ahead, she takes a lot of pride in cultiating a great
repertoire. Lynn's music is filled with joy!"
Don Thompson
back to top
DISCOGRAPHY
| SONG FOR MY FATHER with
Dave Restivo |
2001 |
click
here to order |
| PATINA with Dave
Restivo |
1998 |
| IT'S HIGH TIME with
Guido Basso & Mike Murley |
1995 |
| HANDPICKED with Mulgrew
Miller, Adron Productions |
1992 |
| ESSENCE OF TIME, Atlantis,
Time-Life Distribution |
1990 |
| BEAUNE DIJON, Adron Productions |
1989 |
ACCOMPANISTS
Mulgrew Miller, Dave REstivo, Mark Zaret, Mark Eisenman,
Harold Mabern, Mike Wafford, Charles Mountford, Hod
O'Brien, Connie Maynard, Don Thompson, Gordon Webster,
Linton Garner, Tony Frazao, Richard Whiteman, John Stetch,
Jeff Johnston, Gary Williamson, Norman Zubis, Gary Benson
(guitar), Lome Lofsky (guitar), Mark Ferguson, Norman
Amadio, Dave Hildinger, Bruce Forman (guitar), Rob Campbell
(guitar), George McFetridge, Mike Markaverich.
MUSICAL TRAINING
- 2 Year Vocals with Alecia Ference
- 5 Year Vocals with Jacqueline Manning-Albert, New
York Opera Co.
- University of Toronto Faculty of Music Jazz Program
FOR
Jazzz Festivals, Radio Interviews, Private Voice Teacher,
Concert and Club Appearances, Workshops for Choirs,
Jazz Vocal Master Classes, Corporate Events.
back to top
CONTACT
LYNN McDONALD
Church at Sonya
10950 Simcoe Street,
Sunderland, ON
Canada L0C 1H0
Phone/Fax: (705) 357 2468
churchatsonya@accel.net
back to top |
