It Doesn’t End Here marks alto saxophonist and composer Marc McDonald’s long overdue debut as a leader on CD. Although his more than 25 years as a sideman include playing everything from punk to cabaret, It Doesn\'t End Here is comprised of Marc’s first love, namely mainstream jazz with bop, Brazilian, and New Orleans influences. The album highlights both Marc’s robust alto playing and his talents as a composer, with eight original compositions and three inventively re-imagined standards. Regardless of style or source, however, the music is distinguished by an approachability that doesn’t sacrifice depth. \"One of the finest mainstream jazz albums of the year...[an] exquisite debut...McDonald plays with fluidity and crispness...One very enjoyable album from start to finish. I could not be more impressed.\"--Edward Blanco, EJazzNews \"McDonald and his supporting cast form a tight unit. Regardless of who has the lead, all players are heard and stretch out freely. \'It Doesn\'t End Here\' is an excellent album.\"--Woodrow Wilkins, All About Jazz \"[McDonald’s solo disc] is a beaut. It will make you wonder, ‘Where has this guy been, anyway?’…He\'s a great writer to boot…He\'s got a confident and gentle vibrato, with a flowing sound that belies the harshness of too many an altoist…His tone is shimmering and glassy…Nice walk on homer by a veteran in the minors for too long.\"--George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly \"[The title track from ‘It Doesn\'t End Here’] is a wonderful composition played beautifully. I didn\'t have to hear anything else to judge how good McDonald and his crew were.\"--Walter Kolosky, Jazz.com \"[This disc] has a surprise bite and kick...Let it play on repeat all day and it won\'t wear out its welcome. Very much a warm and pleasant date.\"--Chris Spector, Midwest Record \"Marc McDonald\'s sultry saxophone explores the gamut of emotions in ‘It Doesn\'t End Here’...McDonald\'s involving originals and canny covers create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.\"--Paul Freeman, Palo Alto Daily News Personnel: Marc McDonald: Alto Sax Jim Ridl: Piano Steve Cardenas: Guitar (tracks 1, 4, 6, 9, 11) Karl Spicer: Bass Gene Lewin: Drums