Live At The Rancho Mirage Library
Dmac, 2024
9/10
Listen to Live At The Rancho Mirage Library
The always impressive guitarist Doug MacDonald is joined by the Coachella Valley Trio for these live jazz interpretations of standards that sure do sound great in his very capable hands.
“It’s A Blue World” starts the listen with MacDonald’s meticulous guitar playing, as the original ballad climate is replaced with an upbeat delivery, and “Lady Bird” follows with some Latin flavor via Tim Pleasant’s frisky drums and Larry Holloway’s animated bass plucking.
Landing in the middle is the hard swingin’ “Spanish Eyes”, where some chords are altered with much skill and playfulness, while “Triste” emits bossa nova idea amid the chunky bass and radiant guitar tone.
“Fascinating Rhythm” and A Little Tutu” exit the listen. The former is a colorful take on the Gershwin tune that carries an infectious energy, and the latter is a swift blues rocker that has the trio each displaying their inimitable talents with a timelessness you can’t not admire.
Regardless of the setting he’s in, MacDonald never disappoints, and his work here is a set of swingin’ fun that you’ll enjoy over and over.
Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session; Doug MacDonald Trio- Edwin Alley