Scott
McDonald
Pianist
& Singer/Songwriter
Scott McDonald, former keyboard player for Andy
Williams, performs songs from his new CD "Living Inside the
Light". This CD contains 11 original contemporary Christian songs of
faith and inspiration. Scott also
includes some favorite jazz and popular songs along with commentary and humor!
“Scott is easy to work with, and his
concert was spiritually uplifting!”
-Sally
Roberts, Cherokee Christian Church
– Concert February 18, 2007
“Scott McDonald is a
wonderful pianist with a charming personality. Add his soothing vocals and
ability to engage an audience and you are set for a great evening of music.”
-Jim Mathis, Homer’s Coffee House
– Concert May 4, 2007
“What a pleasure
it is to sit and close one's eyes and listen to Scott McDonald play the
piano ... I found it to be the perfect Sunday night experience. It was
one of those evenings when as I committed to going and listening to him, I
halfway cursed myself for taking the time to do it ! My life is go go go
it seems and I don't often take time to just sit and listen . And so I
found myself sitting there waiting for Scott to begin and wondering if I should
leave at the break so I could get home and "get things done" -
and then - Scott began. And I became absorbed... I relaxed ... it
was therapeutic ... I was in the moment and loving it. And as I looked around
at the others' listening with me, I realized they too, were very much enjoying
the refreshing energy of Scott's performance . What a joy to be in the presence
of someone who is not only great at what he does but also thoroughly enjoys
sharing his time and his talents with others'. And so I turned myself
over to the evening . Clearly my soul needed to slow down and take time
for the beauty that Scott's performance was offering me.
Thanks for your music Scott - it reminded me to slow down and take time
for beauty.”
-Jo Ann Leach,
Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church
– Concert August
19, 2007
Concerts are free to the public - Love
offering will be received
For Concert Booking Availability
Contact
Scott McDonald
(239) 281-5954
The Following Articles Appeared in the
Kansas City Star and Johnson County Sun in 2007
Please see “Public Performances”
On the Left Hand Button Panel for All Current
Venues and Dates
Kansas City Star 2/17/07
Religious
faith inspires songs on musician’s latest CD
Prairie Village pianist,
singer and songwriter doesn’t restrict himself to a single genre.
“I want to show
people that you can be a regular guy and a Christian at the same time.” Scott McDonald
By JENNIFER BHARGAVA
The
Kansas City Star
Scott
McDonald of Prairie Village is a professional piano player who has toured with
Andy Williams and even performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He performs every Monday evening at Tonic
restaurant in Overland Park.
Scott McDonald was relaxing on a cruise ship when he received his latest
inspiration.
His new CD, “Living Inside the Light,” is reminiscent of the live
Christian music he and his wife, Lori, appreciated on a religious sea trip in
January 2006. The pianist spent the next 11 months writing and recording songs
that demonstrated his own faith. He will be performing his new tunes at a free
concert next weekend.
“I want to show people that you can be a regular guy and a Christian at the
same time,” said McDonald, of Prairie Village. “Many people have pre-conceived
notions about Christian singers, and I want to show them a different side.”
The West Virginia native is no stranger to religious music. He and his
wife Lori perform in a Christian band at Cherokee Christian Church.
“When I first met him, I thought he was an incredible pianist and a doll
— really cute,” said Lori McDonald, who sings and plays the guitar. “I’m so
proud of his new CD, and I love the ideas he expresses.”
McDonald’s latest recordings come 30 years into his music profession.
Since graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of
Music in the late 1970s, he has become one of the area’s most well-known piano
players. His impressive resume showcases six albums, an international tour with
Andy Williams and shows in Branson, Mo. On a weekly basis, his current schedule
includes performances at The Raphael Hotel, corporate events, country clubs,
concerts and weddings. He also has a national fan base, which allows him to
perform around the country.
Although his upcoming CD is Christian-based, McDonald is widely known
for his skills in jazz, classical and pop music.
The musician believes he managed to stay afloat in the competitive field
because he was willing to adapt.
“I couldn’t be stuck in one genre, it would be too restrictive,” said
McDonald. “When I was in college, I thought I would just be a jazz pianist, but
the reality is you have to play everything to be successful. And I really think
being exposed to different genres was very helpful in creating my whole style.”
The performer admits creating his own sound was a fun challenge. His
influences include James Taylor, Michael McDonald, Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea
and Monty Alexander.
“I go through different periods of inspiration and struggles because it
can be difficult for music and words to flow together,” McDonald said. “When
you can be your whole orchestra, it’s easier to write. As a piano player or a
guitar player, it’s easy to visualize harmonies.”
When McDonald needed guidance for his latest album, he turned to his
biggest fan: his wife.
The songwriter adapted one of her poems, “I Found my Home,” into a song
of the same name.
The collaboration was a success.
“It was really cool to hear what he came up with,” said Lori McDonald.
“The song is amazing and I love it.”
To reach Jennifer Bhargava, call (816)
234-7737 or e-mail jbhargava@kcstar.com. Photo by Chris Oberholtz
Johnson County Sun 2/22/07
