Dave Douglas - Alloy (2025)

In a major new compositional statement, trumpeter Dave Douglas returns with Alloy, alongside two thrilling young trumpeters: UK native Alexandra Ridout, now living in New York, and Dave Adewumi, from New Hampshire and currently in the thick of the NYC contemporary improvised music scene. Far from a trumpet blowout session, this is a warm-hewed, lyrical release featuring original compositions that highlight the many rich shades of brass, plus a stellar band of improvisers convened for the first time here. Aiming to bring together musicians in community, the writing features everybody as an organic whole and speaks to our need to live and breathe together as a unit. To cohere and coexist.

Renowned vibes player Patricia Brennan is on board, adding superb atmospherics to the proceedings. Originally from Perth, Australia, bassist Kate Pass is a new find in these circles. Douglas’s long-time collaborator and Frisell colleague Rudy Royston brings his driving and cinematic drumming to the session.

Recorded January 19, 2025, in New York City, Alloy opens a brand-new chapter for Douglas and the team.

In metallurgy, an alloy is a blending of elements to create a new and stronger substance. An alloy brings together disparate particles in a unified expression, stronger than its parts.

This Alloy is the sound of three trumpets together. Each sound is personal, each tone unique. Weaving seamlessly into the tapestry of the band. Alloy is the alchemy of contrasting voices creating a new anatomy.

Alloy’s first single, “Standing Watch” is a statement of wariness, with unwavering faith in our ability to pull through. An ode to teamwork, “Standing Watch” features everybody, the trumpeters initially playing together and then each having a solo over this blues, followed by a brilliant take from Patricia Brennan. Dedicated and with a commitment to bear witness, as well as having some fun while doing it. “Standing Watch” is out July 23.

“Announcement: Vigilance”, the album’s second single, continues the spirit of watchfulness, with all three trumpeters improvising over the introduction, followed by a tuneful plea, and again solos from all three. A brilliant swing feel from Rudy Royston takes this to a low boil, and a restatement of principles. “Announcement: Vigilance” releases August 20.

“Friendly Gargoyle” grew from a compositional challenge Douglas shared with his master’s student seminar: pick an image and describe it two ways. Here the gargoyle in question can be friend or foe, and the piece dances through several different programmatic descriptions. The 3rd single from Alloy, “Friendly Gargoyle” drops Sept 2.

Album focus track “The Antidote”is an ambitious piece that unfolds in multiple sections, each trumpeter stretching out on a different set of material. The longest track on the album, Douglas stretched out as the composer, creating an evolving canvas for the band that emphasizes everyone’s transformations and flexibility. “The Antidote” comes out with Alloy, on Sept 5.

TRACKLIST

1. Dave Douglas - Announcement: Vigilance
2. Dave Douglas - Friendly Gargoyle
3. Dave Douglas - Alloy
4. Dave Douglas - Fields
5. Dave Douglas - The Antidote
6. Dave Douglas - The Illusion of Control
7. Dave Douglas - Future Community Furniture
8. Dave Douglas - Standing Watch