Blue and White

Doug Raney has recorded extensively for Steeplechase since his debut as a leader in 1977. On this 1984 session, the cool-toned guitarist is accompanied by pianist Ben Besiakov, bassist Jesper Lundgaard, and drummer Aage Tanggaard, sounding reminiscent of his father, the late Jimmy Raney. The leader is the primary soloist throughout most of the date, offering lyrical takes of standards like "I Love You" and "Old Folks." His intricate interpretation of Jimmy Heath's "Gingerbread Boy" and John Coltrane's "Straight Street" also has extensively feature Besiakov to good effect. Because Doug Raney has recorded almost exclusively for European labels, he isn't as well known in his homeland, but his CDs are well worth exploring. ~ Ken Dryden