Doug MacDonald: Overtones

The term "all-star" is not one to be used lightly. Be that as it may, the appellation fits guitarist Doug MacDonald's Los Angeles-based octet as snugly as a glove; he and his colleagues are among the finest, most experienced and in-demand musicians on the West Coast. On Overtones, recorded in September 2021, the ensemble shows its mastery by gracefully skating through seven of MacDonald's upbeat themes and one standard, Ram Ramirez' ardent "Lover Man."

Three of MacDonald's front-liners—alto saxophonist Kim Richmond, tenor saxophonist Rickey Woodard, trombonist Ira Nepus)—have impressive resumes which span decades, as does the splendid rhythm section—pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Chuck Berghofer, drummer Roy McCurdy). Even the group's relative "youngster," trumpeter Aaron Janik, has performed with an array of well-known jazz and pop artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Chaka Kahn, the Yellowjackets, Robin Eubanks, Bob Mintzer, Tom Scott, Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel & Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, to name a few.

As their c.v.'s speak for themselves, so do their solos, which are models of taste and consistency that never miss the mark. MacDonald's eloquent guitar is showcased on "Lover Man," Woodard's full-bodied tenor sax (with MacDonald and Cunliffe) on the free and easy finale, the leader's "Rickey Speaking." Cunliffe plays acoustic piano on seven numbers, electric piano on the light-hearted "Bossa for PK," Hammond B3 organ on the bluesy "Over #21." Rounding out the engaging program are MacDonald's "Night by Night," "Blues by Eight," "Hortense" and "Ground Up."

No, there is nothing new here apart from the personnel, framework of songs, their chord changes and enticing character. This is simply forty-five minutes of invariably charming music, played with spirit and enthusiasm by eight notably talented musicians whose sole aim is to please.

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