Doug MacDonald & Tarmac Ensemble

Jazz Marathon 4: Live at Hangar 18

DMAC, 2019

8/10

Listen to Jazz Marathon 4: Live At Hangar 18

A concept initiated by Don Thompson in Hawaii, these days Doug MacDonald is at the helm of the jazz marathon concept, and here MacDonald and company bring us 14 traditionals and 2 originals on this double disc effort.

“San Fernando Blvd” starts the listen with a lively swing jazz flavor of spirited guitar work and shuffling percussion, and this continues to the elegant and romantic “Lollipops And Roses”, as well as the dynamic horn work of “Maiden Voyage”. Disc 1 ends on the highlight, “Strike Up The Band”, where playful vibraphone really adds to the experience.

Disc 2 is just as solid, including the emotive, warm and flutle friendly “LL”, though the brass prowess and contemplative “Body And Soul” is certainly a must hear tune with its vibrant trumpet solos. The best track on this disc is easily the precise instrumentation of “Where Or When”, as Rickey Woodard’s tenor saxophone skills shine bright.

As always, MacDonald’s guitar work here is flawless, and with the vast expertise of the ensemble, the timeless jazz sounds here are enjoyable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine; Guillaume Muller- Sketches Of Sound