Dave Douglas

Cunningly blending the so-called scared and profane, American trumpeter Dave Douglas has created a distinctive 10-part suite unlike most of his previous compositions and performances. Commissioned by a theatre and the government of the Belgian city of Ghent to commemorate the 600^th anniversary of a religious painting, Douglas adds references to the Latin Mass, medieval folk songs and soul music to his prowess with Jazz and improvised music motifs. Although unnoticeable when listening, because of Covid restrictions, musicians’ parts were actually recorded in different cities over an 18-month period then precisely edited  and mixed. Besides Chicago-based cellist Tomeka Reid, the other players are European. Vocalist, tuba/serpent stylist Berlinde Deman, guitarist, lutist and electronics player Frederik Leroux and drummer/electronics manipulator Lander Gyselinck reside in Belgium, while pianist/organist Marta Warelis is an Amsterdam-based Pole.

 Despite the polyptych’s early 15^th Century origin and the ecclesiastical motifs projected by Latin and French texts and Warelis’ pipe organ continuum prominent on one track, Douglas approach is contemporary. Deman’s lyrical vocalizing projects the same sincerity whether the lyrics are Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy, Mercy Me”, from the Latin mass, or the melisma needed to interpret contemporary odes translated into English. While adapting some themes from 15^th Century Flemish music, Douglas also avoids conventionality in continuum and soloing. Grace notes spew from the trumpet, but so do harsh plunger tones, triplets, smears and undulating curves,. Completing the serpent buzzes and tremolo organ washes on “Hermits and Pilgrims” for instance, is a definite 21^st Century output of voltage-centered brass farts and sepulchral colored air.  In fact, at points crackling processed electronics are as germane to the sections as lute, cello or keyboard blends and counterpoint. While trumpet, guitar and other instruments are harmonized at junctures, sequences on tracks such as  “Arrival” and “Agnus Dei” are characterized not only by sul ponticello cellos sweeps, but modern guitar licks. Leroux’s effects pedal emphasis, slurred fingering and arching lead guitar effects are closer to contemporary Rock than Rock of Ages.

Notable for what he has accomplished with this commission and another indication of how much Douglas can do musically is Secular Psalms. It may throw for a loop, then lead to new admiration of his skills for those who think they know all of the trumpeter’s work and talents.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Arrival 2. Mercy 3. We Believe 4. Agnus Dei 5. Instrumental Angels 6. If I’m In Church More Often Now 7. Hermits and Pilgrims 8. Righteous Judges 9. Ah Moon 10. Edge of Night

Personnel: Dave Douglas (trumpet, voice); Berlinde Deman (serpent, tuba, voice); Marta Warelis (piano, prepared piano, pump organ); Frederik Leroux (guitars, lute, electronics); Tomeka Reid (cello) and  Lander Gyselinck (drums, electronics)