If you can catch trumpeter Dave Douglas on his U.S./European tour, it’s worth the effort.  Douglas’ playful, original compositions lay the groundwork for himself and the quintet’s outstanding improvisers (Donny McCaslin - tenor, Uri Caine - Fender Rhodes, James Genus - bass and Clarence Penn - drums).  There’s structure in the music - far less out or obtuse than I expected, yet the sound is solidly contemporary.  There’s also a lot of humor - animated abstractions identifiable as laughs or screams or conversations.  These musicians listen hard, passing around ideas with fluidity and virtuosity - and by the end of the night you feel you know them as personalities as well as performers.  Great show.  On his website (now on my links page), Douglas lists his influences as Igor Stravinsky, Coltrane and Stevie Wonder!

 

The Bakery’s a fine venue dedicated to Jazz music.  Worth supporting.  And as you can see from where I grabbed the photo, great seats are possible!