Doug Jones - Top Down

Hailing from Connecticut saxophonist Doug Jones is as leader of the Doug Jones Group frequently performing in many American jazz clubs. His solo projects encompasses the albums Heart and Soul (1994), Shades Of Gray (2002), and Top Down (2013).

He recorded his new album with band members Rick Handville (guitars, keyboards), Frank Giguere (drums), and Craig Carfinkel (bass). Additional musicians on selected tracks are Idalbert Perdomo (percussion), William Grodski (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jay Rowe (keyboards) and Warren Amerman (guitar). All songs are written by Doug himself.

My first impression of the starting piece Suspense: the group has recorded the album exactly as it also presents live. The absence of technical gimmicks demands something familiarization by the listener.

With Almost Summer Doug awakens in us personal memories of the most beautiful sunny hours of the year. To avoid platitudes there are here and there rocky passages. The Latin tinged Bella Luna presents an unadulterated cha-cha with soothing changes to Salsa and other Latin dance styles.

On Top Down Doug Jones melts jazz and rock elements to his own fanfare. Girl With The Brown Eyes is a sentimental tune with romantic attitude. Talking In My Sleep is sometimes an unpleasant matter, depending on what you disclose. Implemented in music, the result is certainly more enjoyable.

One Last Dance is a song for those who never get enough of dancing. Autumn is not for everyone a gratifying season. Doug's song conveys nonetheless friendlier impressions. On Walking With Jack surprised the group with a refreshing breeze of jazz and blues. Better Days is what we all want. Doug and his musical companions already have a good time.

Doug Jones serves with his album Top Down those listeners, who have already swung their legs in earlier times.