Press

When Dreams Come True
Acclaimed New Age/Instrumental Pop composer reveals his heart & soul on new CD release

A beautiful and heartfelt soundtrack of romantic inspiration, CURTIS MACDONALD's new CMMP release "When Dreams Come True" is the perfect companion for moments of relaxation and causal entertaining. Available on iTunes, Amazon.com & CD Baby.

[Jan. 8, 2013] The moments of American composer and pianist Curtis Macdonald’s life throughout the years are interpreted on the CMMP contemporary instrumental album download and CD release“When Dreams Come True”, a music collection that blends the essence of New Age, Jazz, and Pop into a pleasant listening experience. Available beginning January 8, 2013 on iTunes, Amazon and various streaming radio services.

Macdonald’s signature style of memorable lyrical piano melodies over transparent electronic arrangements takes the listener on a journey into the artist’s personal experiences and emotions. A flowing narrative of moderately paced rhythmic ballades expresses the moments of love and relationship, the melancholy of heartbreak and loss and the beauty of serene landscapes.

“Each one of these compositions is dear to my heart due to the inspiration that led to creating them.” Macdonald says. “As I began the creative process, I would fall deep into my conscience and experience the emotions of events that have happened to me throughout my life. My melodies began to tug at the heart stings and evolved into sonic stories of love and loss. A personal elation of an enduring relationship to the passing of friends and family, my music in this collection has become the best representation of the sensitive and romantic side of me as an artist.”

You can hear the passion of Macdonald’s artistry on such tracks as “Holder of my Heart” and “We Have Each Other”, the tranquility of “Avalon” and “Through a Painter’s Eyes” and the inspiration and hope of “No Place like Home” and the title track “When Dreams Come True”. Two re-mixed fan favorites, “Diamonds in the Night Sky” and “Always Remember” round out the 12 Song CD and MP3 download album mixed by Grammy nominated engineer Tony Ugval. (Cherrytree / Interscope – Lady Gaga)

Macdonald says of the mixing and producing process, “I explained to Tony that I wanted this CD to be mid tempo throughout and easy on the ears so the listener can enjoy the music in a relaxing state of mind, experiencing an engagement of beautiful and refreshing melodies from start to finish,” Macdonald continues, “Each listen should conjure up a new mental image, almost like a cinematic dream”. 

Macdonald’s compositions and various CD releases have ranged from jazz to world beat, ambient to EDM. He decided to return to what made his 2004 release “Falling into Midnight” a success. 

“I enjoy composing instrumentals with melodies that you can remember.” Macdonald says, “I embrace every style of music due to my involved studies at Cal Arts and throughout my musical career I have applied my love for jazz into most of my work. Having an improvised solo somewhere in the piece grants me to have an expressive moment that captures my artistry and allows me to show an appreciation to an art form that has influenced me since introduced to me as a child.”

Curtis Macdonald, a Southern California native residing in Thousand Oaks has been creating music and entertaining fans of the New Age/Instrumental Pop genre for over 25 years. His recent appearance on “The Artists of Eversound 15th Anniversary Concert”, a live concert CD/DVD has gained global attention as well as his Eversound release “Everlasting” which received a Zone Reporter Top 100 Album artist in 2007, and a 2007 Grammy consideration to be nominated.

He is a graduate composer from California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California, and his music can be heard on a global scale at any given moment due to decades of production music composed for various music libraries and 16 CDs of his personal "brand" of music that day spas, high profile restaurants, streaming radio and fans all around the world have come to enjoy. It continues once again with "When Dreams Come True". 

Available for download at iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby. Watch Youtube videos at CMMPmusic. 

Suburban Prairie
Known for his radio friendly instrumentals, Curtis Macdonald’s music has ranged from contemporary new age to smooth jazz and beyond. This time around, he fuses the genres again to create “Chill-Age”, a new age vibe with heavy four on the floor club rhythms that offer inspiring commuting music for those long drives to work as well as sophisticated background ambience for the coffee house and cocktail scene.

From the rows of cookie cutter houses and manicured lawns to the sprawling parks and shopping malls, Curtis Macdonald’s new CMMP CD and album download release “Suburban Prairie” is a collection of contemporary instrumental music that can be considered as a modern sonic portrayal of suburban life.

The ever present branded style of his signature piano performance is accompanied by cinematic arrangements that are influenced by EDM (Electronic Dance Music) New-Age, and Smooth Jazz. Moody and melancholic image inducing piano melodies are wrapped around edgy synths, ponderous industrial ambience and driving dance club beats.

It opens with the awakening of the day of “Community Sunrise” followed by the traveling landscape of “Suburban Prairie”. It continues with the serene melancholy of “Sea of Trees” into the pulsing “Pedestrian Paradise” which is followed by the leisure induced “Pools Palms and Lawns”. The contemplative ballade “The American Dream”, flows into the driving mellowness of “Mall Marauders” and concludes with the hypnotic “Surviving Gridlock”.

For over ten years now, Curtis Macdonald’s brand of music has become highly regarded by the New Age and Jazz music community as unique and original. Often falling in line with modern day popular music with memorable and lyrical melodies, his music tends to sooth the listener with relaxing soundscapes as well as reflections of many deep emotions.

As a follow up to his recent Eversound release’s “Everlasting” & “Shadow Crossing”, and the CMMP release “Manhattan”, “Suburban Prairie” has the potential to become one of Macdonald’s most requested chill collections. As a regular heard artist on Sirius radio, with such hits as “Hope & Faith” and “Coast Of Dreams”, Macdonald encourages other Terrestrial, Satellite and Internet radio stations to take the time to listen to “Suburban Prairie” for playlist consideration. Music supervisors take note; it is perfect background music for film and TV placement.

Curtis Macdonald is an accomplished pianist and composer, his style is unique in that he uses today’s ever-popular electronica genre and layers of catchy, romantic piano melodies combined with organic acoustic instruments.

A graduate composer from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, Curtis’s career took him on many adventures in the entertainment industry. His music can be heard all around the world at any given moment due to decades of production music composed for various music libraries. His personal “brand” of music that fans all around the world have come to enjoy, continues once again with “Suburban Prairie”.


Manhattan
A wondrous landscape of contemporary cool jazz/ambient chill music has arrived with CURTIS MACDONALD’s new CMMP CD release “Manhattan” available on iTunes and Amazon, CDBaby and other internet retailers.

Known for his radio friendly instrumentals, Curtis Macdonald’s music has ranged from contemporary new age to smooth jazz and beyond. His signature style is present in this new collection of retro “Cool Jazz” chill music that fills the mind with images of dusky blues and grays, towering concrete monoliths, endless pedestrians, and streets full of character.

The new CMMP CD release “Manhattan” is a romanticized portrait of a city. Set in a style that conjures up the Cool Jazz sound of the late 1950’s and early ‘60s with a touch of modern Ambient Chill accompaniment.

Haunting and subdued cinematic arrangements caress Curtis Macdonald’s smoky piano melodies and imaginative solos. His romantic and soulful melancholy music has the essence of Cool Jazz pioneers Miles Davis, Bill Evans and John Coltrane, yet is unmistakably Macdonald’s intimate way of creating with emotional sonic imagery that ushers in a new resurrection of the classic sound.

It opens with the mad rush of “Sixth Avenue” followed by the laid back swagger of “Strolling Herald Square”. It continues with the neo-boss nova “Streets of the Empire City” into the smoky “Midtown at Midnight” which is followed by the hip induced “Greenwich Village”. The main title “Manhattan” flows into the ballade “Central Park” and concludes with the nocturnal “Gotham”.

For over ten years now, Curtis Macdonald’s brand of music has become highly regarded by the New Age and Jazz music community as unique and original. Often falling in line with modern day popular music with memorable and lyrical melodies, his music tends to sooth the listener with relaxing soundscapes as well as reflections of many deep emotions.

As a follow up to his recent Eversound release’s “Everlasting” & “Shadow Crossing”, and the CMMP release “With Every Intimate Breath”, “Manhattan” has the potential to become one of Macdonald’s most requested jazz collections. As a regular heard artist on Sirius Spa 73, with such hits as “Hope & Faith” and “Coast Of Dreams”, Macdonald encourages other Terrestrial, Satellite and Internet radio stations to take the time to listen to “The Manhattan” for playlist consideration.

Curtis Macdonald is an accomplished pianist and composer, his style is unique in that he uses today’s ever-popular electronica genre and layers of catchy, romantic piano melodies combined with organic acoustic instruments. As a composer for film and television, Macdonald's recent projects have included works for Sony, Warner Bros, and Mattel Entertainment. He has also worked with Disney, Paramount, and Universal.

A graduate composer from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, Curtis’s career took him on many adventures in the entertainment industry. His music can be heard all around the world at any given moment due to decades of production music composed for various music libraries. His personal “brand” of music that fans all around the world have come to enjoy, continues once again with “Manhattan”.

Avalible for download at iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby. Watch Youtube videos at CMMPmusic.


With Every Intimate Breath
Set the flowers, light the candles, puff up the pillows and set the mood with Curtis Macdonald’s newest collection of alluring and sensual smooth jazz. “With Every Intimate Breath” is a non-stop array of smoky and soulful piano/Rhodes melodies wrapped around contemporary radio-ready grooves. Atmospheric guitars, ambient electronica and an overall “chill” tempo, these instrumentals are not a “slam-bam” but for a “slow hand” type of romantic moment that should continue long after the music stops.

If you like the slow and sensual groove of Kenny G, Rick Braun and Najee, but crave the stylistic approach of Bob James, then you will feel right at home with this collection. Even with the “cocktail crowd”, this evening induced music becomes a nice compliment to social gatherings.

Known for his array of instrumental pop, new age, and jazz, Curtis has ventured into a realm of music that has long been a personal favorite. His signature style is present in this 8 song collection, popular song form, memorable melodies and lyrical solos with spacious electronica inspired arrangements.

Available on iTunes, Amazon MP3, and CDbaby.com

Falling Into Midnight Press Release
Romantic Contemporary Instrumental CD Release of one of today's emerging talents. Let this music bring hope and faith to your heart with its reflective melodies and rhythmic groove.
(PRWEB) August 16, 2005 -- CMMP is proud to present a new CD of contemporary instrumentalist Curtis Macdonald. “Falling Into Midnight” is a collection of romantically inspired instrumental pieces that create a mood of reflection and hope. Transparently arranged electronic soundscapes pulse beneath Curtis Macdonald's poignant, heartfelt melodies and lyrical piano improvisations. A wonderful enhancement to a rainy day and perfect for evening gatherings and light cocktail events.

”Falling Into Midnight” has been accepted as the “heart tug” soundtrack to many of Curtis’s fans throughout the world. His hope inducing piece “Always Remember” is becoming a huge fan favorite and climbing up the New Age internet streaming radio charts.
“From the first song I was most enamored with his work. It grabs you and pulls you in and doesn't let you go. And with all the electronic sounds going on in the background, he throws in gorgeous acoustic piano that sets the mood for the entire CD. Wonderfully romantic and able to stand on its own, it’s a special sound and he manages to keep you engaged until the end.” JC – New Music Central


Grandcascade Press Release
(PRWEB) August 8, 2005 -- CMMP is proud to present a new CD of Smooth/Chill Jazz from contemporary instrumentalist Curtis Macdonald. Grandcascade delivers a soulful and modern approach to smooth jazz with a touch of the classic roots of smooth jazz pioneers such as Bob James, Dave Grusin & Jeff Lorber. Clean and transparent arrangements bathed in today's modern electronica accompany the memorable melodies and improvised solos performed on piano, electric piano, and Hammond organ. Each selection on the CD is composed in contemporary "song" form and is NAC/Smooth Jazz radio ready. Its perfect "Drive Time" music and a wonderful soundscape for social gatherings and events.

Grandcascade Features two songs already making their way up the Internet Charts, "Neon Chill" with it’s bluesy, sultry electro vibe and the urban inspired "Nightfall", a tapestry of groove and electronica with a woven Rhodes solo that reflects the golden era of 1970’s smooth jazz.

”I took the time to listen to the project, and I must say, it's 100% worth the buy. For ya keyboard lovers with a twist of coastal feel, this CD is for you!” – ShadowJazz

"Clean and fresh smooth jazz that makes your day groove and your evenings slide into a soulful state of sophistication". - Chris Lovejoy, ACE Entertainment"
“This music is a must for any StreamCast, take a listen and add it to your playlist!” – Wes Talbot
Available On-Line at iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and Napster. Just “search” Curtis Macdonald. Traditional CD’s available at CD Baby.


Shadow Crossing Press Release
Romantic Contemporary Instrumental CD Release of one of today's emerging talents. Let this music reduce your daily stress with it's melodies and rhythmic groove. Imagine if watercolors could sing... co-produced by John Adorney.
(PRWEB) December 13, 2004 -- EverSound is proud to present the debut CD of contemporary instrumentalist Curtis Macdonald. With the aid of label mate John Adorney offering his touch on cello, acoustic and electric guitar and Lucia Imán's beautiful voice, this collection of reflective and romantic mood music is a perfect choice for travel, social gatherings and relaxing.

Shadow Crossing's transparently arranged electronic soundscapes pulse beneath Curtis Macdonald's poignant, heartfelt melodies and lyrical piano improvisations. Elegantly colored with a touch of acoustic and female voice, the haunting pointillism transports the listener into a musical world of mystery and beauty.

Shadow Crossing Features two songs,"Kiss Goodbye" and the reflective "Coast of Dreams " romantically interpreted by Lucia Imán's angelic wordless vocals.

"For pure upbeat, delightful and enjoyable contemporary instrumentals in melodic and pleasant harmonies, this debut on a label known for easily accessible music is one of the most listenable of the year" - Ted Cox from New Age Voice

Five Stars
"Shadow Crossing" is one of those recordings that are a rare find. It is an elegant, simmering blend of new age and smooth jazz... a fave combo of mine. I wish more records were done like this. Curtis has a way of establishing a subtle electronic groove or foundation for his piano, which often times handles the lead role within his original songs. It is nothing like I have ever heard and I find myself wanting more. Rather than spending too much time-sharing my enthusiasm for this release... I encourage you to consider "Shadow Crossing" for your music collection. If you enjoy smooth new agey jazz... you won't regret this investment.
Ken Verheecke - Amazon.com