As affectionate homage to the brass instrument, Spirit Moves is bolstered by trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas’ utter command of his instrument. The energy of his Brass Ecstasy project is not to be denied either, as the compelling and combined jazz power of Luis Bonilla’s trombone, Vincent Chancey’s French horn, Nasheet Waits’ drums, and Marcus Rojas’ tuba drives the record.
With appearances at the 2008 Chicago Jazz Festival, the Reggio Calabria Jazz Festival, the Willisau Festival, and The Festival of New Trumpet Music, Douglas and Brass Ecstasy have really honed their craft and deepened their sound as a unit.
Spirit Moves is the next step for Brass Ecstasy and Douglas, showing yet another layer. Recorded in a single room, the album meets its goal to assemble a full brass ensemble sound. Douglas’ well-chosen group is intensely involved in each piece, lending their adroit interpretations and vibrant interaction to a broad range of compositions.
“This Love Affair” opens the record. It’s a Rufus Wainwright track, believe it or not, and Douglas’ group propels the piece like a sort of New Orleans funeral march. The high bleats of Douglas’ trumpet ride the sober requiem laid down by Brass Ecstasy. Pay special attention to the song’s remarkable pace changes.
A series of tracks dedicated to great trumpeters highlights the middle portion of Spirit Moves.
Douglas wrote “Bowie” as a tribute to Lester Bowie, using vivacious bounce to acknowledge Bowie’s work with the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Fats Navarro is honoured with “Fats,” a lively mark of respect that rocks with each member switching between playing melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Expressive and resolute, Spirit Moves avoids some of the problem areas in much modern jazz. There are no ostentatious solos and the compositions are unpretentious. This is purely a compilation of music honouring the brass tradition.
Whether through sparkling three-part horn harmony (“Mr. Pitiful”) or through bittersweet romance (“The View from Blue Mountain”), Dave Douglas and Brass Ecstasy roll through an exciting set with class.
A work that highlights the entire ensemble as opposed to soloists, Spirit Moves covers consecrated brass ground with distinction and immaculate technique.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
you had me at "Brass Ecstasy"