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
Tracks
01. In Our Lifetime (Dave Douglas)
02. Three Little Monsters (Dave Douglas)
03. Forward Flight (Booker Little)
04. The Persistence of Memory (Dave Douglas)
05. Out in tne Cold (Dave Douglas)
06. Strength and Sanity (Booker Little)
07. Sappho (Dave Douglas)
DAVE DOUGLAS trumpet
JOSH ROSEMAN trombone
CHRIS SPEED clarinet, tenor saxophone
MARTY EHRLICH bass clarinet
URI CAINE piano
JAMES GENUS bass
JOEY BARON drums
Recorded on 7, 8 December 1994 at Power Station, NYC
New World Records – 80471-2