November 1997

Doug Raney Quartet
Raney '96
SteepleChase

By Jim Ferguson

The son of the late great Jimmy Raney, Doug carries on the tradition in his own way. Here, the Denmark-based guitarist is supported by pianist Ben Besiakov, bassist Lennart Ginman and drummer Herlin Riley.

Fluent and swinging, Raney deftly negotiates the myriad harmonies of both "Giant Steps" and "Moose The Mooch," a rhythm changes workout that features some especially hip, dissonant comping by Besiakov. On Pat Martino's Latinesque "Querido" and Wes Montgomery's swinging "Fried Pies," he not only demonstrates his ability to blow over disparate grooves, but also salutes two of his biggest influences. "I Fall In Love Too Easily" and "I Loves You Porgy" provide the ballad portion of the program and suggest that melodic gifts may at least be partially genetic. Beautiful work from one of the instrument's most underrated players.