Reviews


John Macdonald
Scotland's International Accordion Entertainer



May 2008
What the Critics have said .........

"....your music has really touched our heart !.....in addition to that.. your music is really fantastic with our movie. .. ...we really think Korean people are going to like your music ..."
Jininsa Films, South Korea

"John Macdonald won audience acclaim with his dynamic style"
The Advertiser - Adelaide

John Macdonald plays with great expertise ....I doubt if there is anyone recording accordion music - who could improve on his timing and finger work.. he has perfect mastery of the instrument and plays with style and flourish"
The Evening Standard - New Zealand

"At the Hilton ..top notch scots star John Macdonald ..brilliant Piano Accordionist.."
Hong Kong

"John is a true showman with the accordion....His energetic performances always seem to leave the audience buzzing with comments on his lively and unique performing style...."
Accordions Worldwide/Review/Lionel Reekie/NZ

"John Maconald played to a very appreciative audience as part of the show ....He played a bracket in each segment of the show..including the Haunting "Highland Cathedral" and as always, he proved to be a crowd pleaser ....."
Tokoroa - NZ

" Performing at the Hilton ...John Macdonald - An accordion playing citizen of Scotland - who plays the accordion like Louis Satchmo Armstrong plays the trumpet....."
The Daily Mirror - Manila

"..The adrenalin really bubbles - when this energy burning Scot captures all those Scottish melodies with his impeccable accordion talents"
The Entertainer Magazine - Sydney

"Another treat was Accordionist John Macdonald'...I could swear I saw heather growing across the floor of the theatre stage as his fingers flew over the accordion keys, joined by tapping feet and nodding heads..."
New Zealand

"...a distinct scottish style of accordionship has envolved of which John Macdonald , is probably our most brilliant exponent.."
Daily Telegraph - Sydney - Australia

"...Macdonald has superb control over his accordion, and his enthusiasm for his native music - conveys itself , making one want to join in and become part of the performance ...he plays with brilliant technique and artistry.."
Christchurch Star/New Zealand

"Prepare for a feast of Scottish Music..performed by celebrated accordion player John Macdonald..who brings a certain magic to much loved traditional songs, in his own inimitable style..."
Chris White - UK

"A Gem of a CD..quite simply BRILLIANT ! there's no other word for it really. great tunes,great arrangements and fantastic playing and technique, what more can I say "
J.Farn UK

"I listened to it , as I drove up to Canada ..I very much enjoyed it.The production and sound quality is very high , and the playing of course first rate"
Bill Reid, East of the Hebrides Entertainment - USA

This recording is very diverse, covers a wide spectre of styles and would be appealing to a wide audience. Sound production is of a superb quality and masterly done. John uses his midi devices expertly and to the full extent. Musically, this whole recording is "on high" - easy listening, "happy" tunes and toe tappers. John has built (over the years) his very individual performing style: technically sound, he performs with a lot of charm. To see his Live Show is quite an experience too. If you are after diverse people's music - John's recording would be the way to go. ***** (Five Star review rating )
Tania Lukic-Marx..CD Reviewer..
Sydney Australia
"Accordions Worldwide" Web Site


"....Macdonald proved to be the highlight of the evening, displaying both techinical and musical mastery of his chosen instrument. his ebullent personality endeared him to the audience .."
The Christchurch Press - NZ

"...Ace Accordionist John Macdonald demonstrated his ability brilliantly. His skilful playing and infectious good humour are a winning combination.."
The Oamaru Mail - NZ

".....Accordion player and musical genius John Macdonald ....his expertise on the piano accordion is simply magical, coupled to his rapport with the patrons..."
The Timaru Herald - NZ

"...The Energetic precision of John Macdonald on Piano accordion, was a versatile display which alternated between ballads and foot-tappers....."
The Southland Times - Invercargill - NZ

"...at the Chateau in Timaru, a crowd filled the seats eagerly anticipating John MacDonald (direct from Australia) who enthralled the audience with his highly accomplished accordion playing. His competence, good choice in music and original settings proved to be extremely popular with the crowd. Worth a special mention was John's rendition of music from the world acclaimed "Riverdance" show, as well as his sensitive interpretation of the New Zealand favourite "Pokarekare Ana".
Roy Jackson - Timaru NZ

".....John Macdonald ...a true professional, in every sense of the word ! ....".
"Tivoli Show" Twin Towns - Gold Coast - Australia

".....I don't know when we have enjoyed music so much thanks to your special talent. You are a really fabulous accordian artist.....May all the best be yours and may you have continued success..." .....
Barbara Parks - PA - USA
14/4/05

".....Your CD is excellent, Great Toe Tapping Stuff'' what was, Scotland's loss, is now Australia's gain. Keep up the great work" .....
Andrew McBride
Station Manager/Program Director
Bluewater Radio 91.3 FM - Hanover - Ontario - Canada

10/6/05

".....John MacDonald showed the audience why he is in such international demand .....and wowed the audience with a great show, a few jokes, his Scottish regalia and pieces from his latest CD's." .....
"Accordion Spectacular" Club Marconi - Sydney - Australia
10/6/07

".........appearing on The Regal Princess.....a scottish Accordion Entertainer called John Macdonald .... who amazed people ( including me ) with his stage personality and accordion playing..he received a standing oviation from the first show I attended ( and also in the second show from what I heard from other passengers .the next day).. .nice to see something different ..rather than a singer ...we were still tapping our feet to his music for days after !! " .....
Cruise Critic/News and Reviews
30/9/07


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