Reviewed by Eric Shifrin

There is a casual atmosphere in 8 original compositions by Dave Douglas which account for the lion’s share of the tracks on his new CD Spirit Moves with his group Brass Ecstasy.   These pieces are like abstract paintings, and Douglas does not seek to overwhelm.  He prefers a soft sell, showing the listener a simple but beautiful picture and then moving on to another one. Even during fanfare styled sections, practically unavoidable when working with a brass ensemble, the listener does not feel as though they have been shouted at.   There is a disciplined approach to solo space as well, they are kept short and to the point.

There are 3 diverse cover tunes, all of which rate among the strongest tracks on the disc.

Great respect is paid to the original versions and the band seems to give a little extra effort on them. Rufus Wainright’s  “This Love Affair,”opens up the program in a sultry tango groove.  Otis Redding’s  “Mr. Pitiful,” is handled in a straght forward fashion complete with the STAX horn licks on the intro.  Finally, Hank Williams Sr.’s  “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” closes the CD with an appropriate country train feeling. Dave Douglas’ trumpet has a loose, earthy voice that creates a comfortable intimacy

Marcus Rojas on the tuba is sensational and owns the lower register of the sound spectrum.  He anchors several tracks with smooth ostinato figures and funky bass riffs.

Sometimes he plays long chords with Vincent Chancey on French Horn and Luis Bonilla on Trombone.

The drummer Nasheet Waits has a sharp attack and a super crispy snare drum.  He likes march rudiments and driving swing rides.  He also has a rare ability, reminiscent of Charles Mingus’ drummer Danny Richmond, to move the beat around, using daring pauses and short bursts to pull and push the tempo. 

“Bowie” is a tribute to the late Lester Bowie, trumpet player and the original founder of Brass Ecstasy. Douglas incorporates collage techniques and a light hearted approach on this track and the composition is reminiscent of Bowie and his early association with The Art Ensemble of Chicago.  A sense of theatre and of comedy infused the Art Ensemble of Chicago and many of it’s alumnus especially Lester Bowie himself.  I got a big kick out of Lester Bowie’s cover recording of  the theme to “Howdy Doodie.”   “Awakening” is another tune with a comic element, kind of like a Salvation Army Band that is a little bit drunk.

On Spirit Moves, Dave Douglas is definitely keeping alive a special spirit, and the long tradition of innovation of  Brass Ecstasy, Lester Bowie and The Art Ensemble of Chicago. This is a strong project and a fun listen.