Crisp and Dull

The Dave Douglas Quintet's show at the Village Vanguard sounded clean, crisp, and tight. And boring. Perhaps trumpeter Douglas and his band and the venue weren't a good mix. The quintet's sound is like that of a jazz festival ensemble: everybody and every note in unison, blasting out to the crowd way up on the lawn. The Vanguard is an intimate setting, which works best with subtle musicians playing intensely, whether it be standards or fusion. So perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if I were lolling about on a blanket, drinking wine, talking, and barely paying attention to what's going on up on stage. (Image via Jazz.hr)