Jazz Articles about Dave Douglas

Dave Douglas: Convergence

by Glenn Astarita
April 1, 1999

On “Convergence” the brilliant trumpeter-composer Dave Douglas pursues new territory following up on “Parallel Worlds” and the more recent “Five”. Douglas once again utilizes the sparkling talents of violinist Mark Feldman and cellist Erik Friedlander as the combination of strings, trumpet, and rhythm section consisting of Drew Gress (bass) and Michael Sarin (drums) create music that transcend many of the existing boundaries of jazz. “Parallel Worlds” and “Five” were landmark recordings for Douglas’ chamber-like excursions with his lead trumpet, string ...

Dave Douglas: Convergence

by Robert Spencer
April 1, 1999

Trumpeter Dave Douglas' growing list of credits includes a star turn in the ever-increasing oeuvre of John Zorn's Masada, the celebrated quartet that turns Hebrew folk melodies into tremendous occasions of Ornette-flavored up-tempo jazz improvisation. Douglas himself has demonstrated, independently of Zorn, a flair for jazzing folk melodies that is at the forefront again on the magnificent Convergence, his new quintet release on Soul Note.

Joined by congenial partners, including violinist Mark Feldman, cellist Erik Friedlander, bassist Drew Gress, and ...

Dave Douglas: Moving Portrait

by Jim Santella
December 1, 1998

Dave Douglas has a superb experienced trio supporting him on Moving Portrait. The session consists of the trumpeter's compositions plus three by Joni Mitchell. Douglas feels that the words, music, and meaning of Mitchell's songs provide an excellent starting place for his ensemble to improvise in jazz. Like all forms of art, the result is a session that includes drama, variety, and a story that attaches different meanings to each viewer or listener. Douglas' music evolves from the hard bop ...

Dave Douglas: Magic Triangle

by John Sharpe
November 1, 1998

Trumpeter Dave Douglas possesses faultless technique, a wholly original conception and a sound that crosses wide stylistic boundaries. His free jazz/avant-garde/post-bop compositions tend to appeal to a very select audience -- mainstream fans may have a tough time warming to “Magic Triangle". Things get off to a rip-roaring start with Everyman, Dave's dizzying exchange with tenor saxophonist Chris Potter. My interest began to wane with the random abstraction of Padded Cell, but I was impressed with the lovely tone and ...

Dave Douglas: Magic Triangle

by Glenn Astarita
November 1, 1998

Dave Douglas has emerged as one of the premier trumpet virtuosos in the jazz business. This gifted stylist transcends many musical boundaries most notably with his String Quartet, Tiny Bell Trio, duets with Dutch drummer Han Bennink and his avante-garde Sanctuary project. Douglas' emergence on the scene has gained the attention of several record labels. Douglas records for Winter & Winter, Songlines, DIW and his latest on Arabesque records is titled Magic Triangle.

Magic Triangle is a straight-ahead, musically diverse ...

Dave Douglas: Charms Of The Night Sky

by Jim Santella
October 1, 1998

Dave Douglas is a creative trumpeter who infuses an eclectic array of musical styles into his compositions. From Eastern European folk music, tango, Italian opera, swing, and jazz, the artist brings it all together for an enjoyable program. Douglas, 35, attended the Berklee School of Music, the New England Conservatory, and New York University, worked with Horace Silver, Vincent Herring, Don Byron, John Zorn, and remains dedicated to a number of performance projects. With almost a dozen recordings as leader ...

Dave Douglas: Stargazer

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 1998

With Stargazer, Dave Douglas has quickly established himself as one of the premier trumpet masters of the 90's. His affiliation with John Zorn and the wild and witty band Dr. Nerve are prime examples of Douglas' recent achievements. His musicianship and approach is nothing less than mind-boggling. Douglas' chops, stylizations and creativity are once again evident on this tribute to the great Wayne Shorter.

The liner notes indicate that the music here is by and for Wayne Shorter. All the ...