DAVE DOUGLAS — Witness (review)

DAVE DOUGLAS — Witness album cover Album · 2001 · Avant-Garde Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
snobb
Dave Douglas is NY-based trumpeter known by his collaboration on John Zorn and other downtown artists albums. But from early 90s he regularly releases his solo albums (usually with help of same downtown musicians)and very often his solo albums are really interesting for open year listener.

"Witness" is conceptual nine-pieces suite inspired by different politicians from all around the world. Being mostly instrumental work,all portraits are painted mostly by moods and rhythms,atmosphere and mix of musical genres and techniques. Generally based on modern transcription of late 60s avant-garde jazz, this album's music is not easy object for any classification.

Such great downtown artists as violinist Mark Feldman and cellist Erik Friedlander give chamber chamber jazz flavor to whole music,but their scene colleague electronics guru Ikue Mori (presented on album in quite unusual role of electronics percussionist)transfer all sound to modern "out" horizons.

Most exotic collaborator on this album is obviously Tom Waits,contributing speaking vocals (not singing) on one of the songs. I believe his participation is very symbolic here - a lot of album's moments sound as modern look on beatniks atmosphere of late 50s.

Interesting and refreshing album even if not for jazz purists.

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