Larry Douglas ALLTET, Dedications, SWAJOLA L.T.D. 2620. Dedications (The Theme)/ Untitled/ Jammin' In The 'Boro/ Illusions/ Traces/ Dedications (The Variations). 38:01. 4/21/84. Douglas, tpt, flgh, p; David Masucci*, lt; Ronald Wilson, ts, bar s; Joshua Workman*,g; Ray Williams*, el p; syn; Ron Weinstein*, org; Charles Thomas*, James Lewis, b; Eric Vaughn, p; Chris Corrigan*, Kamau Seitu, d; Marcos Rorres* Muata Omowale*, perc. Larry Douglas is the Director of Bands at Aptos Middle School in San Francisco, and three of the musicians (Corrigan, Masucci, Workman) heard on side one are students of Douglas (the flautist was 14 and the other two 15 at the time of the recording). But rather than emphasize the talents of these young musicians (which is considerable) which can often turn into a back-handed compliment, I'd rather look at the music on it's own terms. The album's title is derived from Douglas' tribute to the memory of his son, Josquin, and two of the boy's aunts, Pedetha and Tameka. But the music is no dirge. Side one is high-energy electric Jazz pushed along by the strong percussion. The musicians' enthusiasm is readily evident and the solos by Masucci, Workman (sounding much like Mike Stern when he was with Miles Davis), and others is full of that spark. Side two, on the other hand, will appeal to the more traditional-minded as the music is played by a straight acoustic quintet. Douglas may be the leader, but he does, he is more than capable of holding his own and bringing freshness to his music. It's people like Larry Douglas who truly keep the flame of Jazz burning bright. Carl Brauer. Dedications (The Theme), Untitled, Jammin' in the Boro, Illusions, Traces, Dedications (The Variation)
