As you probably know by now I'm
not the most wild-eyed fan of organ jazz. But it's easy to recognize when it
simply works. Carey Frank is a Hammond B3 player of uncompromising skill and
subtlety. And it should be added that leader Doug Mc Donald and Frank are very
much on par in communicating musically. Veteran L.A. tenorman Bob Sheppard adds an
appropriate bluesy contribution, and drummer Ben Scholz adds supportive zest.
The ten tunes examined represent a balanced selection of standards and blues
infused choices. Perhaps my two favorites are the mostly overlooked ballads
"Sometime Ago" and "Too Late Now"; both are examples of top
echelon songwriting. How nice to hear them once again. Other familiar
"hits" include "It's You Or No One"; "Poor
Butterfly"; "On The Alamo"; a medley of "Nina Never
Knew" and "Indian Summer"; and Harry Edison's evergreen,
"Centerpiece". Doug McDonald's superb musicianship, along with that
of his colleagues, is something to be admired.
Self-produced; probably 2019;
appx. 44 min.
This is a great album
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