Don Doane – On The Rocks

Don Doane – On The Rocks

Originally released in 1967 as a private pressing on Music Corporation of Maine (MCM 6775), On The Rocks is a distinctive regional jazz album from Maine bandleader and trombonist Don Doane. The album brings together two different ensembles — Don Doane And The Big Thirteen on Side A and Don Doane And The Dixie Six on Side B — combining big-band swing, traditional jazz, Dixieland and classic American standards.

Doane was an experienced jazz trombonist who had worked with a remarkable range of established bandleaders, including Woody Herman, Bobby Hackett, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson. His On The Rocks album documents a more local and intimate side of his musical career, with the record associated with the Falmouth, Maine jazz scene. The album was presented by actor Gary Merrill, adding another unusual detail to this scarce regional release.

The Big Thirteen material on Side A moves comfortably between swing and jazz standards. “The Three Counts” opens the album before the ensemble tackles the classic “Stella By Starlight,” Herbie Hancock's funky “Watermelon Man,” the atmospheric “Rainy Day,” “Mo Jo” and Count Basie's enduring “One O'Clock Jump.” The combination gives the side a varied big-band character, balancing arranged ensemble passages with the kind of swinging repertoire associated with Doane's earlier professional work.

Side B changes direction with the smaller Dixie Six, moving into traditional jazz and Dixieland territory. “Robinson Crusoe,” “Wait Until The Sun Shines, Nellie,” “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “I've Found A New Baby” provide plenty of opportunity for lively ensemble interplay, while “Old Set” incorporates the familiar melodies “Five Foot Two,” “My Blue Heaven” and “The Saints.” The side closes with “Battle Hymn Of The Republic,” giving the album a suitably rousing finale.

For collectors of private-press jazz, regional American jazz, Dixieland, big-band records and obscure 1960s vinyl, On The Rocks is an appealing discovery. Its combination of a Maine local scene, seasoned professional musicians and two contrasting ensembles makes it considerably more interesting than a conventional standards album.

Side A – Don Doane And The Big Thirteen

1. The Three Counts – 4:12
2. Stella By Starlight – 3:34
3. Watermellon Man – 5:38
4. Rainy Day – 3:34
5. Mo Jo – 2:29
6. One O'Clock Jump – 3:43

Side B – Don Doane And The Dixie Six

1. Robinson Crusoe – 2:14
2. Wait Untill The Sun Shines Nellie – 3:14
3. Bye Bye Blackbird – 2:54
4. I've Found A New Baby – 3:38
5. Old Set
   • Five Foot Two
   • My Blue Heaven
   • The Saints
6. Battle Hymn Of The Republic – 4:10