Doug MacDonald

Serenade To Highland Park

DMAC, 2021

8/10

Listen to Serenade To Highland Park

The esteemed guitarist Doug MacDonald is surrounded by Mike Flick (bass) and Paul Kreibich (drums) for this collection of standards and originals, where a diverse jazz spirit brings new surprises with each track.

“Days Of Wine And Roses” starts the listen with no shortage of melody between the trio, as MacDonald’s playful guitar impresses yet again, and “Manha De Carnaval” follows with a smooth bossa nova appeal, where Kreibich’s drums and percussion sure do resonate warmth.

Elsewhere, “Hortense”, a MacDonald original, flows with a timeless jazz waltz, while “Dearly Beloved” is a swift and bouncy display of incredible dynamics between the three that you won’t soon forget. “The Shadow Waltz”, one of the album’s best, then glows in 4/4 time with Flick’s bass plucking making an indelible impression.

The title track lands deep in the listen and emits much beauty as the shimmering guitar work glides amid the brushed drums, and “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” exits the listen with a swingin’ good time that showcases an immense chemistry between the trio.

Both Flick and Kreibich have impressive resumes and play their instruments with much skill and poise, and they certainly do complement MacDonald’s inventive guitar playing on this striking and memorable jazz outing.

Travels well with: Larry Newcomb Quartet- Love, Dad; Dave Stryker- As We Are