Even though bassist
John Lindberg is the leader of this set and contributed all seven compositions (along with presumably the frameworks), the main star of the outing is trumpeter
Dave Douglas.
Douglas both extends the hard bop/post-bop tradition and plays quite free in spots. The date opens with
Lindberg and
Douglas exploring "Firewood Duet," drummer
Ed Thigpen (who sounds right at home in this adventurous setting) makes the group a trio on "The Terrace," and then
Larry Ochs (mostly on tenor) makes the group a quartet on half of the remaining selections. Whether sounding fairly free (although well-planned) or throughly composed, this is a consistently fascinating set.
Lindberg's colorful writing and
Douglas' versatile solos make
Bounce a highly recommended acquisition for open-minded jazz listeners. ~ Scott Yanow