July 1724, 1997
six pick
Producing a sound seemingly too large for his instrument, Douglas is the trumpet's answer to hipster-adored sax skronkers like Charles Gayle or David Ware. Unlike these "energy" players, Douglas exhibits a method-book technique and happily makes transparent citations to tradition. But with Douglas, you never know which tradition to expect. He slides as effortlessly from Bulgarian folk tunes to bebop as he does from his instrument's flatulent pedal tones to its brassy upper reaches. On the trio's latest recorded effort, the characteristically eclectic Tiny Bell Trio Live in Europe (Arabesque), whenever his bandmates' energy flags, Douglas leaps in with a bravado simultaneously recalling Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Dixon, pneumatic power tools and Bunny Berrigan.
Tue., July 22, Five Spot, 5 S. Bank St. (between Chestnut & Market, 2nd & 3rd), 382-3198.
Todd Margasak

