Ralph MacDonald
Ralph Anthony MacDonald was born on March 15, 1944, in Harlem, New York. He was the son of Trinidadian immigrant Patrick MacDonald, a notable calypsonian known as MacBeth the Great, and his wife Evelyn. As one of eight children, Ralph grew up in a culturally rich environment that fostered his musical talents.
From an early age, MacDonald was exposed to a variety of musical traditions, which significantly influenced his development as an artist. He displayed a keen interest in drumming and began focusing on his African roots. By the age of 17, he was already performing as a pannist, having participated in a notable audition for legendary performer Harry Belafonte. This marked the beginning of his extensive career in music.
Throughout his professional journey, MacDonald became recognized as a versatile percussionist and songwriter. He gained a reputation as a "first-call" session percussionist during the mid-1960s, contributing to countless recordings across various genres and collaborating with notable artists in the industry. His work earned him significant acclaim, including Grammy Awards, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in the music world.
MacDonald's contributions to music extended beyond performance; he was also an accomplished songwriter and musical arranger, known for blending different musical influences into his work. His deep roots in calypso and African music informed his unique style, which resonated with both audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Ralph MacDonald passed away on December 18, 2011, but he left behind a rich legacy characterized by his innovative spirit and contributions to the music industry. His life and work continue to inspire aspiring musicians and percussionists worldwide.
Sound Of A Drum
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Drums – Rick Marotta
Guitar – Eric Gale
Piano – Richard Tee
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Grover Washington, Jr.
Written-By – Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
6:17
A2 Where Is The Love
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Drums – Rick Marotta
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey
Guitar – Eric Gale
Piano – Richard Tee
Soloist, Harmonica – Jean "Toots" Thielemans
Vocals – Frank Floyd, Gwen Guthrie, Patti Austin, Raymond Simpson, Vivian Cherry, Zachary Sanders
Written-By – Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
6:08
A3 The Only Time You Say You Love Me
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Drums – Rick Marotta
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey
Guitar – Eric Gale
Piano, Clavinet [Clavinette] – Arthur Jenkins Jr.
Vocals – William Eaton, William Eaton
Written-By – Arthur Jenkins Jr., Cynthia Jenkins
4:54
B1 Jam On The Groove
Clavinet [Clavinette] – Arthur Jenkins Jr.
Congas, Soloist, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Drums – Rick Marotta
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey
Guitar – Eric Gale
Piano – Richard Tee
Soloist, Synthesizer – Bob James
Written-By – Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
5:54
B2 Mister Magic
Double Bass [Upright Bass] – William Salter
Drums – Rick Marotta
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Soloist, Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Piano – Arthur Jenkins Jr.
Timbales – Nicholas Marrero
Twelve-String Guitar – Eric Gale
Vibraphone [Vibes] – David Friedman
Written-By – Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
4:16
B3 Calypso Breakdown
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Cowbell [Cow Bells] – Nicholas Marrero
Drums – Rick Marotta
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey
Guitar – Eric Gale
Performer [Bottle] – Urias (Uncle Bougs) Fritz
Piano – Richard Tee
Soloist, Clarinet – Clinton Thobourne
Written-By – William Eaton
7:50
Label: Marlin – MARLIN 2202
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Jazz-Funk, Latin Jazz
Ralph MacDonald's Sound of a Drum (1976) is a landmark Jazz-Funk, Crossover Jazz album known for its infectious grooves, smooth arrangements, and percussive brilliance, featuring hits like "Mister Magic" and "Calypso Breakdown," showcasing MacDonald's signature steelpan and percussion alongside strong R&B/Soul elements, defining a vibrant era of instrumental fusion on Marlin Records.
The album blends Jazz-Funk, Crossover Jazz, R&B, and Soul, and features prominent steelpan (steel drum) and percussion, MacDonald's main instruments, creating a distinctive Caribbean-infused sound, emphasizes strong, danceable rhythms and infectious, melodic hooks.
It includes iconic songs like "Mister Magic," "Calypso Breakdown," "Jam on the Groove," and "Where Is the Love," according to Apple Music and Discogs.
The album offers a feel-good, sophisticated, and rhythmic experience, capturing the essence of late-70s instrumental funk while maintaining a timeless appeal, making it a staple for fans of classic soul and jazz fusion