Warm Valley
Doug MacDonald
1995
1. N.B. Blues (4:55)
2. Rosalie (4:08)
3. Over The Rainbow (5:57)
4. Let's Get Lost (4:33)
5. The Face I Love (4:36)
6. Warm Valley/Don't You Know I Care (7:54)
7. Straight No Chaser (5:15)
8. Too Late Now (4:59)
9. Honeysuckle Sam (7:59)
10. Here's That Rainy Day (3:34)
11. Time On My Hands (6:19)
12. Golden Earrings/You're Blase (2:20)
13. Mr. P.C.
 (6:21)
Recording Date - July 28, 1995 & August 31, 1995
Recording Location - Studio 47, Hollywood, CA
Resurgent Music
Guitarist Doug MacDonald debuted his nonet in 1995. Consisting of trumpeters Buddy Childers and Jack Trott, trombonist Ira Nepus, French hornist Stephanie Mijanovich, Les Benedict on tuba, pianist Jimmie Dykes (the chief arranger along with Childers), bassist Christoph Luty and drummer Jack LeCompte, the modern brass band (which has no reeds) is featured in accompaniment to MacDonald's solos, during colorful ensembles and on individual improvisations. Both of the trumpeters and trombonist Nepus get solo space while Mijanovich is in the lead for "Warm Valley" and MacDonald takes a brief medley of "Golden Earrings" and "You're Blase" unaccompanied. The leader, whose boppish guitar is the tradition of Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis and Kenny Burrell, is heard throughout the standards in top form. The arrangements hold one's interest, although they tend to be a bit safe, and highlights include "D.B. Blues," "Let's Get Lost" and "Straight No Chaser." Fine music.
Scott Yanow