Here's a meeting of minds. For all of their stylistic differences, Dave Douglas and Martial Solal pull off the not inconsiderable feat on Rue De Seine of accommodating each other at the same time as they retain their own distinct musical identities. In an ideal world this should of course place quite naturally in the field of improvised music, but such is the quality of this release that, among other things, it reminds the listener just how infrequently this happens in reality. Douglas tempers his usual fire with an unusual degree of reflection, and Solal accommodates the trumpeter at the same time as he retains the creative vision he has developed on record with everyone from Sidney Bechet to Lee Konitz.
The fact that Douglas and Solal pull off this feat within the arguably demanding setting of a trumpet and piano duo is also notable; despite all the idiomatic differences, perhaps the only precedent in this admittedly small field is the duo of Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins, and it would be nice to think that Douglas and Solal are destined to record together as much as that duo did.
Rue De Seine has none of the contemplative air that some might associate with the duo format. Even "Fast Ballad" is suffused with a depth of musical intelligence that skilfully bypasses the obvious. The same is true of the four standards. Of these, the musicians' reading of "Have You Met Miss Jones?" best celebrates their differences and their ability to come together. It's here also that Solal arguably offers the firmest evidence of why he has been celebrated in certain quarters for a long time. "Here's That Rainy Day" works well because both musicians clearly understand and have an appreciation for the value of understatement.
Of the originals that make up the balance of the programme, Douglas's "Blues To Steve Lacy" captures the essence of the lamented giant, to such an extent that the listener can easily conceive of the man himself negotiating his way through the piece's plangent melody.
These players know how to work together to such a degree that the absence of other musicians is irrelevant. Their results are worthy of the closest listening, not least because there is such an abundance of musical values in evidence. - Nic Jones / allaboutjazz.com
What a wonderful record. Martial Solal, maybe the finest jazz pianist in Europe, teams up with Dave Douglas, one of jazz’s most intuitive trumpeters, and the results are wholly satisfying. These men are intellectual players, but they betray plenty of emotion here and interact so well that you get the feeling they could finish each other’s sentences-in English or in French.
The musicians offer three compositions apiece; the remaining four are standards. They kick things off with a sprightly, refreshing “July Shower,” which finds Douglas’ muted trumpet dancing all over Solal’s attack. The mood turns serious for the hymn “Blues to Steve Lacy,” with Douglas blowing plaintively against the dirge of the dragging piano. A playful and mischievous “34 Bar Blues” follows, and then Solal takes it solo on Douglas’ pretty tune “For Suzannah.”
Once the newer tunes are out of the way, the duo turns its attention to standards. Their interpretation of “Body and Soul” is lovely, and their “Here’s That Rainy Day” is full of grace. Things conclude with a gorgeous reading of “All the Things You Are,” which features a nice, fat tone from Douglas. These guys obviously enjoy playing with each other. Luckily they let us in on their intimate exchange. - Steve Greenlee / jazztimes.com
Tracks
01. July Shower (Martial Solal)
02. Blues To Steve Lacy (Dave Douglas)
03. 34 Bars Blues
04. For Suzannah (Dave Douglas)
05. Fast Ballad (Martial Solal)
06. Elk's Club
07. Have You Met Miss Jones (L. Hart/R. Rodgers)
08. Body And Soul (E. Heyman/R. Rodgers)
09. Here's That Rainy Day (J. Van Heusen/J. Burke)
10. All The Things You Are
MARTIAL SOLAL piano
DAVE DOUGLAS trumpet
Recorded in Paris July 6-7, 2005 at Acousti Studio
C.A.M. Jazz - CAMJ 7780-2