Tribute To South Central
DMac, 2026
9/10
Listen to Tribute To South Central
The prolific jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald guides a quintet and sextet through 3 standards and 5 originals of his always creative vision.
The frisky mood of “Blues In The Desert”, an original, opens with MacDonald’s animated guitar alongside Eric McKain’s playful percussion and Wayne Cobham’s rich horn, and “Mr. Walker” follows with Richard Turner’s bright keys amid the colorful guitar progressions.
In the middle, “Self Portrait of the Bean” recruits Ronnie Kaufman’s strategic drumming alongside a cozy mood of elegance, while “GG”, another original, blends Cobham’s trumpet with Del Atkins’ upbeat bass and plenty of melody.
“Luces Azules” and “Sam-or-Eye” exit the listen. The former carries an infectious energy with no lack of rhythm, and the latter is textured superbly with sophistication and harmonics that you can’t not admire.
Now 30+ albums deep, MacDonald continues to play the sort of timeless guitar jazz that’s uplifting and memorable from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Doug MacDonald Trio- Live In Beverly Hills; Doug MacDonald Trio- Sextet Session