Doug MacDonald; Big Band Extravaganza

It was inevitable that a new generation would find its way into Los Angeles big band circles. And so it is with guitarist Doug MacDonald and his dynamic big band. Almost all young musicians pave the way here. There are a few vets though: guys like Kim Richmond, alto sax; Carl Saunders, trumpet; Bill Cunliffe, piano; Chuck Berghofer, bass; and Paul Kreibich, drums. The band holds forth on several originals, mostly those of the leader. The one standard is George and Ira’s classic “But Not For Me”. This is a jazz band in the best of that tradition. Superb arrangements and stirring solos abound. The versatile MacDonald, who frequently records in very diverse musical settings, has lit a fire. One hopes that his exciting big band will be heard frequently.

DMac Music; 2023; appx. 49 min.