Doug MacDonald has been part of the Southern California jazz scene since the 70s and continues to come up with dynamic records. MacDonald has been a part of at least 28 albums dating back to 1979 as a solo artist and featured session player on numerous projects. His latest album is titled ‘Santa Monica Session’ and an early Happy New Year to MacDonald with a release date of January 1, 2025. Doug MacDonald brings a Latin flavor and fun-in-the-sun atmosphere that listeners will cherish as ‘Santa Monica Session’ is sizzlin’!
This new release includes a talented quartet made up of Doug MacDonald on guitar, Bill Cantos on piano, origan & Fender Rhodes, Hussain Jiffry on bass and Kevin Winard on drums & percussion. Doug MacDonald is responsible for all arrangements on the record and ‘Santa Monica Session’ contains five standards and three originals. Together, these fine musicians have created sunny-side tunes that are shining through on ‘Santa Monica Session’.
The record kicks off with “Lady Bird” that is taking flight with its light ‘n’ delicate touch. “Lady Bird” is a jazzy standard that glides along flawlessly by Doug MacDonald & company. It’s time to put on “Minor Makeup” that is like a musical refreshment for the soul. “Minor Makeup” is nice as ice in your glass with a smooth finish that feels just right. Next, prepare to unlock “Prisoner of Love” that contains a glorious tone and loving melody for ALL to witness. “Prisoner of Love” is free as a bird and soaring high with glowing chords that light up the airwaves. Who’s ready to dial up “Tele Time” and hold for an elegant performance? If you said yes, then Doug MacDonald is on line #1 to answer that call with “Tele Time”. We’re “Walkin’” into the next number that contains a happy, snappy beat that will please your senses. Take a musical stroll and brighten up your ever-loving step with “Walkin’”. Jump into a “Pent-Up House” where the mood is positive and the vibe is high-spirited, so sit back, relax and ENJOY! Here comes “dmac” to deliver the goods right to your listening space and right on time! Doug MacDonald and the rest of the quartet finished strong with “Perdido” where this song is coming to life right before your ears! “Perdido” is a stylish & classy track that is most certainly worthy of your undivided attention. Doug MacDonald knows how to close out and cut a record as “Perdido” checks all the boxes for a high-quality, jazz recording.
With decades of music making under his belt, Doug MacDonald has music running through his veins with Jazz being his blood type. MacDonald said it best here when referring to music in his life: “I’ve simply never lost my love affair for warm notes, a good standard and striving for the best performance”. Doug MacDonald has achieved all of the above and then some with the new release, ‘Santa Monica Session’. These eight professional tracks are examples of exemplary work performed by world class musicians. I sense that deep-rooted passion Doug MacDonald has for jazz music, in particular, and this love comes across loud & clear on ‘Santa Monica Session’. I can’t wait to hear more of that refined sound and stellar playing from Doug MacDonald in the future because the spirit of jazz is alive & well on ‘Santa Monica Session’.
https://www.dougmacdonald.net/
By Jimmy Rae
