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.