Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

March 24, 1963 in Montclair, NJ

 

Dave Douglas is a renowned American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. He was born on March 24, 1963, in Montclair, New Jersey, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a trumpet player, and his mother was a singer. Douglas started playing the trumpet at the age of nine and was soon performing in local bands. Douglas attended New York University, where he studied music and played in various ensembles. After graduating, he moved to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with the legendary trumpeter and composer, Gunther Schuller. During this time, Douglas also played in the Boston jazz scene and performed with musicians such as John Zorn and Anthony Braxton. In 1987, Douglas moved to New York City and quickly became a sought-after sideman, playing with a variety of jazz and avant-garde musicians. He also formed his own groups, including the Dave Douglas Quartet and the Tiny Bell Trio. In 1993, he released his debut album, "Parallel Worlds," which featured his original compositions and received critical acclaim. Over the years, Douglas has released over 50 albums as a bandleader and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Don Byron, Bill Frisell, and Uri Caine. He has also composed music for film, dance, and theater productions. One of Douglas's most notable works is his "Charms of the Night Sky" album, released in 1998. The album features his Tiny Bell Trio and incorporates elements of Eastern European folk music, jazz, and classical music. The album received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2000, Douglas formed his quintet, which has become one of his most celebrated ensembles. The group has released several albums, including "Soul on Soul," which features Douglas's arrangements of Duke Ellington's music, and "Be Still," which incorporates hymns and spirituals. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Douglas is also an educator. He has taught at the Banff Centre for the Arts, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. He has also written several books on music, including "Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide." Throughout his career, Douglas has been recognized for his contributions to jazz and contemporary music. He has received numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and a Grammy Award nomination. He continues to perform and record with his various ensembles and remains a vital force in the world of jazz and contemporary music.

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