2 Cents
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The New England trumpeter Douglas Olsen is in fine company here, where top notch local players like saxophonist Dino Govoni and trombonist Angel Subero are in attendance across these timeless jazz tunes that also embrace Latin and bop ideas.
“Tailwind” starts the listen with lively percussion as Olsen’s strong trumpet presence takes focus on the quick paced, jazz setting, and “2 Cents” follows with frisky keys from Tim Ray as Olsen’s horn and Mark Walker’s drums interact playfully alongside Govoni’s sax solo and Dave Zinno’s bass solo.
Closer to the middle, the festive “Rat-Race” dances with a swift delivery of dynamic, bop-friendly song craft, while “Miles Rumba” brings some Latin flavor to the upbeat atmosphere. “Critical Mass”, another exceptional tune, then alternates between calmer moments of soulfulness as well as busy bouts of hard pop prowess you can’t help but admire.
The album exits with “Una Para Ti” and “Passage”, where the former burns slower with pretty balladry, and the latter glides quickly, with no shortage of thriving rhythm as each player takes their turn in the spotlight on the furious jazz finish.
Although he’s most known regionally in the New England area, this first album as band leader will certainly bring much deserved attention to Olsen, whose straight forward jazz and memorable Latin influences are sharp, focused and engaging.
Travels well with: Jim Waller Big Band- Bucket List; Hazar- Reincarnated