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Mary Ann Douglas: Unfinished Business

By Jim Santella
April 17, 2007
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A hidden treasure from southern California, jazz singer Mary Ann Douglas writes her own songs and lyrics. Each of her four albums, released over the past ten years, proves unique in that manner. Original material means pleasant surprises. In all, Douglas' four albums contain sixty-four songs that are fascinating for their comfortable allure and for the convincing delivery that she offers them. Working with an all-star ensemble, the singer warms with an intimacy that defines pure jazz and blues from the inside out.

With Unfinished Business Douglas moves onward and upward as she takes this winning performance up a few notches. It's all about heart and her genuine delivery. Mundell Lowe's eclectic arranging gives the session a bright array of light, Latin textures, deep blues, slow, soulful ballads and up-tempo romps. The album's title track and several others ooze with an earthy blues quality, while Douglas makes herself comfortable with the music's cool flow.

Her lyrics tell stories; the kind that keep you thinking about why things work out the way they do. The singer keeps you wondering about the tales, while her ensemble wraps the music in a gentle jazz framework that flows naturally. Like Mary Ann Douglas' previous albums, Unfinished Business comes recommended for its heartfelt charm and for its pure jazz projection.

Track Listing

Move Over, Blues; Something

Personnel

Mary Ann Douglas

Mary Ann Douglas: vocals; Mundell Lowe: electric guitar, acoustic guitar; John Rekevics: alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute; Rob Whitlock: piano, keyboards; Bob Magnusson: acoustic bass; Jim Plank: percussion.

Album information

Title: Unfinished Business | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Magdalene

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