Transcend

Description

The prolific trumpeter and composer Dave Douglas announces the release of Transcend, with his quintet of exceptional musicians, the GIFTS Quintet. Blending electronics, lyricism, and a communicative energy, the ensemble unleashes its full power, driven by a deep spiritual vision. Following GIFTS, released in 2024 as a tribute to Billy Strayhorn, Transcend continues Douglas's exploration of musical heritage, spirituality, and innovation within an ensemble. Transcend brings together the same core as GIFTS, including tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, named Artist of the Year by DownBeat, and two members of the Oscar-nominated post-rock trio Son Lux: guitarist Rafiq Bhatia and drummer Ian Chang. Enriched by cellist Tomeka Reid, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, the quintet adopts a radically new instrumentation. Transcend, Douglas's new opus, is a tribute to Duke Ellington's Sacred Concerts, major works performed between 1965 and 1973, considered the spiritual peak of Ellington's career. Douglas draws inspiration from this philosophy, engaging in a spirit of openness, respect, and humanity.