Over the years guitarist Doug MacDonald has operated in many different settings, including his own big band and an all-star group (the latter is featured on his previous recording ‘The Sextet Session’) and this time around we find him operating in a trio/quartet setting as while bassist Larry Holloway and drummer Tim Pleasant are here for the complete show they are occasionally joined by special guest Big Black on djembe (a goblet-shaped African drum). These musicians have performed together a countless number of times as a unit during the past decade, and their familiarity and comfort with each other’s playing is obvious so we get a relaxed but creative set.
No originals, just three (or four) guys working through some well-known standards in front of an appreciative audience. There is never any room to hide in a trio, let alone in a jazz trio, and all three musicians are playing as if they are the leader and “Dearly Beloved” has all three working tangentially yet together to create a very dynamic version indeed. While Doug is normally the melodic lead this feels more like a group of equals with powering acoustic bass and punchy drums with both Larry and Tim taking their opportunities to shine. When Big Black is also playing the music takes on a very different flavour with a far more percussive element and earthiness to proceedings. Overall this is a nice introduction to Doug’s swinging take on jazz guitar for those who have yet to come across him.
Rating: 7/10
