Dave Douglas
// jazz trumpeter & composerDAVE DOUGLAS is a prolific trumpeter, composer and educator from New York City. His unique contributions to improvised music have garnered distinguished recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, an Aaron Copland award and two Grammy nominations. Douglas has developed his work for several unique ensembles with whom he’s currently active, including his new quintet; High Risk, an electric quartet; and, Sound Prints, co-led with saxophonist Joe Lovano. Since 2005, Douglas has operated his own record label, Greenleaf Music, releasing his own recordings as well as albums by other artists in the jazz idiom. Through his artist-friendly approach and innovative practices, he continues to prove himself a pioneer among artist-run labels.
Website: www.DaveDouglas.com
Photo: Dave Douglas / Greenleaf Music
Interview:
Dear Justin,
You ask, What do you believe is the spiritual significance of music? I believe that all of life has spiritual significance, and I wouldn’t separate music from the rest. Music is a profound expression. But it is not more or less profound than anything else. For me personally, music is prayer. Everyone has their own way of prayer and every way of prayer strives for the same goal. So I’m wondering if maybe you really mean: What is the significance of spiritual music? Or, What is the music of spiritual significance? Or even, What is spiritual about music of significance?
In any case, it’s all the same. I think that if there is spiritual significance it is in everything, everywhere. There is no separation between who we are, what we do, how we live, and our spirit. That’s true whether one is a musician or not. I know that my answer only leads back to the universal questions of the significance of the spirit: why we are here and what it all means. There is no “answer” for that.
I don’t think that we are humans beings having a “spiritual experience”. I think we are spiritual beings having a human experience. And we have an opportunity and a responsibility to make the most positive impact in the short time we’re here. Music can be part of that. Thanks for your interest,
Dave Douglas
“Music is a profound expression. But it is not more or less profound than anything else. For me personally, music is prayer.”
– Dave Douglas, jazz trumpeter and composer
