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Doug MacDonald: Overtones
ByThe guitarist assembles a world-class group of musicians from Los Angeles, naming the band "The L.A. All-Star Octet." In tweaking the make-up of the group Macdonald states: "I prefer the sound of two brass and two saxophones" over the standard use of only three horns. To that end, he enlisted the services of Aaron Janik on trumpet and Ira Nepus on trombone, while filling the saxophones with long-time musical collaborator Rickey Woodard on tenor and the great Kim Richmond on alto. The rhythm section is top-notch, with Bill Cunliffe on the keys backed up by Chuck Berghofer on bass and Roy McCurdy on the drums. The legendary drummer Paul Kreibich makes an appearance on the shaker in track two.
Coming out of the gate in full swinging mode, the band takes "Night by Night" from a charming opening intro by the guitarist to a swinging burner full of solos from all. Commissioned by California State University Fullerton music program, the original "Bossa for PK,' is bossa nova-styled number featuring delightful solos from the leader and Richmond on one of the best tracks of the session dedicated to Professor Paul Kreibich. Inspired by the Miles Davis Quintet's "Blues by Five," MacDonald's "Blues by Eight" is a jumping number filling in the blues spot of the set.
Drummer McCurdy's pounding intro to "Over #21" ushers in perhaps the only hard-driving hard-bop number of the album, an aggressive short and gyrating piece of music. The finale original "Rickey Speaking," is a tribute to saxophonist Rickey Woodard's fifth recording with the guitarist, showcasing the versatile reedman's tenor voice on this swinging piece of music.
With the cast of remarkable musicians supporting Doug MacDonald who, provides the writing, playing and leadership, one cannot go wrong with these seasoned professionals weighing so heavily in the outcome of a recording. Accordingly, Overtones is a rousing success. Truly an exceptional musical statement from a great band of musicians and a fine leader.
Track Listing
Night by Night; Bossa for PK; Blues by Eight; Hortense; Lover Man; Over #21; Ground Up; Rickey Speaking.
Personnel
Doug MacDonald
guitarAaron Janik
trumpetKim Richmond
saxophoneRickey Woodard
saxophoneIra Nepus
tromboneBill Cunliffe
pianoChuck Berghofer
bass, acousticRoy McCurdy
drumsAlbum information
Title: Overtones | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Self Produced
Comments
Tags
Doug MacDonald
Album Review
Edward Blanco
Overtones
Self Produced
Aaron Janik
Ira Nepus
Rickey Woodard
Kim Richmond
Bill Cunliffe
Chuck Berghofer
Roy McCurdy
Paul Kriebich
Miles Davis