Trumpeter
Dave Douglas's New World CD is consistently intriguing, the type of music that gains in interest with each listening.
Douglas is quick to acknowledge the influence of
Booker Little (the early-'60s trumpeter who was among the first to emerge from
Clifford Brown's shadow) and on this set he performs three of
Little's tunes plus his suite of Four Miniatures After Booker Little ("Sappho," "At Dawn," "Shred," and "Rapid Ear Movement"). However, it is the two lengthier pieces, "In Our Lifetime" and "Bridges" (the latter over 17 minutes long), that are of greatest interest.
Douglas's originals, which are episodic and avant-garde (but not afraid to swing) while expertly mixing together improvisation with composition, are consistently colorful. His flexible band (
Chris Speed on tenor and clarinet, trombonist
Josh Roseman, pianist
Uri Caine, bassist
James Genus, drummer
Joey Baron and guest bass clarinetist
Marty Ehrlich on the title cut) is able to switch grooves quickly and interpret the frequently dramatic music with sensitivity and wit. ~ Scott Yanow