Watching The Detectives Guitar Noir III
Free Will, 2019
8/10
Listen to Watching The Detectives Guitar Noir III
If you’ve been following Mark Doyle’s esteemed career, you might recall that Guitar Noir was originally released 20 years ago. This time around, Doyle revisits the concept with emphasis on detective and spy theme songs, as well as a couple tunes outside the theme that were too good to not include.
“Detectives Medley” starts the listen with interpretations of “Watching The Detectives” (Costello), “Get Smart” (Szathmary), and “The Untouchables” (Riddle), as dynamic interplay between the rhythm section and Doyle’s meticulous guitar work add mystery and much intrigue to the affair.
Further along, “Lost Letter” (Previn) recruits blues spirited guitar work in the emotive rocker, while “American Drinks And Goes Home”, one of the two songs that isn’t detective based, has Doyle reworking the Zappa tune with elegance and a soothing quality that approaches jazz.
Deeper cuts bring us the Doyle original “Noir Alley”, which is a hushed and cryptic tune with brushed percussion and a memorable bass line, and the string heavy “It Takes A Thief” (Grusin), where an orchestral angle flows alongside meticulous guitar work and aching cello. “Everytime” (Cole) ends the listen with grace and six string acrobatics from Doyle in a more calm but no less impactful setting.
Doyle’s resume is impressive, starting with Jukin’ Bone, who were signed to a major label when he was still a teenager, and he currently fronts Mark Doyle & The Maniacs. An artist who has done pretty much everything one can do in the business, this cinematic, instrumental cop-jazz might seem like a very niche idea, but will certainly be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates ‘60s soundtracks and guitar focused instrumental records.
Travels well with: Jeff Beck- There And Back; Bill Frisell- Big Sur