For a duo album to succeed, commitment, chemistry and concision are needed. Master guitarist Doug MacDonald and versatile bassist Harvey Newmark carry on grand conversations in economical ways. Offering soulful, interpretive renditions of classics like “Flamingo,” “These Foolish Things” and “If I Had You,” MacDonald and Newmark sound quite comfortable together. Their swinging groove is sturdy on the title cut, a tribute to an area near North Hollywood known for its wonderful, and mostly bygone, tradition of live jazz music. MacDonald’s light, graceful touch provides a sublime character to his self-penned originals “Is This This?,” “Desert Jazz,” “De-Ha,” “Pleasante Pleasant,” and “New World.” The duo conveys considerable emotional resonance and depth of feeling on numbers like John Coltrane’s “Village Blues” and the evocative ballad “Easy Living.” Toluca Lake Jazz is a solid set of relaxing music that emphasizes tone, taste and tranquility from MacDonald and Newmark.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)