L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald Releases New Sextet Album
JGT contributor Joe Barth talks to LA guitarist Doug MacDonald about his new album, Sextet.
Sextet Session is a wonderful new small combo album by Los Angeles guitarist Doug MacDonald. The album features original compositions by MacDonald in addition to a few choice Standards. Doug also wrote the arrangements for the trumpet and tenor saxophone.
JB: The album opens with an upbeat tune “Desert Blues.” Any aspect of the southern California desert that was an inspiration in composing it.
DM: Yes, Palm Springs in particular. It has been a getaway for the Stars and the studio people.
JB: With “Whispering,” did you have Paul Whiteman’s version in mind or what Dizzy did with it as a foundation for his “Groovin’ High” as you performed it?
DM: Great question, and both! We did it as a samba it gave it new life with a Brazilian beat.
JB: Instead of using your Benedetto archtop you record with a new Fender Telecaster. What does the Tele allow you to draw out from the music?
DM: It is a refreshing addition to expressing yourself on the Telecaster. I avoided using a solid body for years being stuck in a purist’s bag.
JB: Talk about composing “Gee’s Flat.” Any hidden meaning in the title?
DM: It is a malapropism, a play on words. Like the key of Gb.
JB: Same thing with “Try Ads” and “Si Miner” and their titles?
DM: It’s like C minor key in music as opposed to “see coal miner” with a Spanish tinge. (laughter)
JB: Nice rendition of “You’ve Changed.” Why did you select that Standard?
DM: It has such a great melody and chord changes. I felt it would fit the group.
JB: “AT” is a fun funk number. Talk about the guitar effects you use on it.
DM: I used some new pedals on the session, but very sparingly. I also used a synthesizer and a harmonizer.
JB: Bassist Mike Gurrola and drummer Charles Ruggiero play superbly. What do you appreciate most about these two musicians?
DM: I feel that their approach gave us a new direction in the music. They both supported the soloists with interesting approaches to the art of accompaniment. When they each soloed, I heard a lot of new musical ideas in different directions. I liked the idea of letting it have a life of its own! It is a great departure from the mainstream jazz concept!
JB: Talk about the musical communication you have with pianist Josh Nelson as you perform with him.
DM: He is so easy to work with. He also has great musical ideas and wonderful technique. As a player, his ears are very open and attentive!
JB: Trumpeter Aaron Janik and tenor player Doug Webb are fine musicians. What do you appreciate about them as players?
DM: I like their ability to blend in an ensemble situation. They are also very creative as soloists, always maintaining a very high level!
JB: With “Bubbles in the Wine,” do you remember seeing that song performed on the Lawrence Welk Show and wanting to do it yourself?
DM: Actually, I did live gigs with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra after Mr. Welk passed away. I love the tune. It is an undiscovered treasure!
JB: What do you find so rewarding about arranging for a sextet with two horns?
DM: It is so transparent and so gratifying to write for this ensemble. There are unique challenges for the smaller ensemble. There is so much to learn after writing for larger groups!
