What the world needs now are the contemporary jazz sounds of Doug MacDonald. Luckily, it is available on Santa Monica Session—the recently released album on Dmac Music. The songs performed display the musician’s versatility and sense of adventure. Familiar grooves are given a breezy treatment, and all is well with the world.

A residual effect is a general soothing quality that comes from the sheer togetherness of their playing. The unity the small ensemble creates results in moments that sound as if their are a dozen players. Likewise, they lead each other to places where a soloist dare not go. Bravo.

Musicians on the album are Doug MacDonald (guitar), Bill Cantos (piano, organ, Fender Rhodes), Hussain Jiffry (bass), and Kevin Winard (drums, percussion).