With “Live In Beverly Hills,” guitarist Doug MacDonald opens a time capsule and finds it still glowing. Recorded at the Beverly Hills Art Show on May 19, 2012, and released more than a decade later, this previously unreleased live set captures MacDonald alongside bassist Lou Schoch and drummer Billy Paul in a moment of rare alignment.
Despite its age, the album doesn’t sound dated, and arrives as a vibrant jazz statement that feels as immediate and alive as the night it was played. At its core, Live In Beverly Hills is a classic guitar trio jazz album, rooted firmly in the mainstream style while leaving ample room for spontaneity and personality.
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The album’s repertoire reflects both respect for the jazz canon and confidence in original material. It opens with a buoyant take on Luiz Bonfa’s classic, “Samba De Orfeo,” setting the tone with a rhythmic lilt and melodic clarity that immediately draws the listener in. The guitar work here is fluid and lyrical, while Billy Paul’s drumming adds crisp, conversational commentary beneath the melody.
Two MacDonald originals, “Unimpressed” and “Mall Blues,” anchor the album’s compositional identity. “Unimpressed” is a minor-key piece characterized by its toned-down guitar and bass solos, offering a spacious framework for improvisation. “Mall Blues,” by contrast, is a compact, up-tempo riff-based tune that highlights the trio’s tight rhythmic coordination and instinctive pacing.
The standards are handled with equal care and imagination. One of the album’s most distinctive moments comes with “Early in the Morning,” where bassist Lou Schoch steps forward as a blues vocalist. “Yesterdays” closes the album with a passionate, reflective reading that underscores the trio’s emotional range.
What truly elevates Live In Beverly Hills is the chemistry between the musicians. MacDonald, Schoch, and Paul shared a long musical friendship, and that familiarity translates into an intuitive, almost telepathic rapport. Paul’s drumming is alert and responsive, while Schoch’s bass lines are melodic and grounding, leaving space for MacDonald’s guitar to soar.
Live In Beverly Hills stands as a compelling reminder of Doug MacDonald’s strengths as a guitarist, composer, and bandleader. It is a record built on swing, trust, and deep musical conversation: rewarding close listening while remaining immediately accessible.