by Sonny Landreth
Bruce and I first connected and started hanging out in the early ’70s when he was playing with the band Rufus Jagneaux. They had burst on to the local scene like a force of nature with their big hit, “Opelousas Sostan,” and were playing everywhere.
Those were fun and formative times for a lot of musicians, artists and friends, and Bruce and I were right in the middle of it all with our mutual bands like a gathering tribe. Though he and I never officially formed a group, we sure jammed a lot, played gigs together and encouraged each other with equal parts admiration, sympathy and humor.
There was a lot of creativity in the air back then, and that required some trial and error on a regular basis. I honestly don’t remember whose idea it was, but I once traded a brand new Fender Twin Reverb combo to him for his older, ’60s Blackface Bassman amp head. Now, of course, it’s well known that his amp is a highly coveted model that is still sought after by players and collectors alike. Back then? Not a clue. I just knew it was the best sounding amp I’d ever played.
Bruce MacDonald, guitarist extraordinaire, and, quite the character
‘He played with such a fierceness and tons of soul’
But after only a few days, Bruce called in a panic and asked if we could reverse the swap so that he could get his amp back.
It was kinda sweet, really, because it made me realize how much it meant to him, and I knew why. I said, “Sure, man, it’s still really your amp and always will be.” And it was true. He played his red Gibson 335 through that Bassman from then on and had his sound that only he could get.
In fact, some of my favorite memories of playing music are of Bruce onstage and on fire. Eyes closed, not so much as a glance at the fretboard, he would become transfixed and totally in the moment, pouring his heart into every single note. It seemed like a sudden force was at his back hurtling him through space. It was a joy to behold and to hear, and I’ll never forget that feeling.
Soar on, brother. The tribe will miss you greatly.
Sonny Landreth, Louisiana singer, composer and renown musician known for his slide guitar playing and advanced technique. Landreth and fellow guitarist, Bruce MacDonald, go way back. MacDonald died March 27, 2022.