Record Review - 2 February 12 2004

Separately, trumpeter Dave Douglas and acclaimed guitarist Bill Frisell are like-minded explorers. The latter has spent the bulk of the last seven years applying his musical chops to American roots forms, while the former has lately incorporated electronics — and covers of Rufus Wainwright and Bjork — into his post-millennial fusion. But when pairing on Strange Liberation, the duo turns inward toward their modern-jazz roots.

Frisell fits comfortably into the group dynamic of Douglas’ quintet, and this give-and-take is crucial to the album’s balance. It’s their show, after all, and Frisell is an invited guest. This sense of restraint renders all those moments when Frisell steps out to shine sweeter: the Allan Holdsworth echoes throughout “Catalyst”; the understated, effects-boosted melodizing of “The Frisell Dream”; the mood-shifting solo halfway through the title track.

These deft displays of proficiency and intellect underscore the other members’ assured, instinctual turns, which combine to highlight Douglas’ ease as a composer. Douglas and tenor saxophonist Chris Potter each step out for vibrant, impressive solos on “Seventeen,” leaving little doubt as to where the bandleader’s sympathies lie: Although his ensemble is a tight, gifted group, augmented here by one of the most regarded guitarists in the field, it’s the trumpeter who’s running this show, always bringing the proceedings back home to the possibilities inherent in that moment when a man picks up his horn.

The Dave Douglas Quintet performs at Nuci’s Space in Athens on Mon., Feb. 16. $15