Dave Douglas Gifts Quintet

James Brandon Lewis, tenor saxophone; Rafiq Bhatia, guitar, electronics; Tomeka Reid, cello; Ian Chang, drums and electronics; Dave Douglas, trumpet

A Cankarjevi torki event in March traditionally showcases one of America’s greatest bands. Over the last three decades Dave Douglas has proven himself a visionary beacon of new jazz (he has toured Slovenia on several occasions, including with Zorn's Masada). His impressive Gifts project presents Douglas’s original new compositions inspired by the life and music of Charles Lloyd. The Quintet reflect on the wisdom, vision, and positivity of this composer and saxophonist in an innovative way, notably exploring Lloyd’s fascination with the music of Billy Strayhorn. The quintet’s sound focuses on song form, emphasizing textural and timbral enhancement in service of each song.

The Gifts Quintet brings together outstanding musicians. James Brandon Lewis is the rising star of the American saxophone, Rafiq Bhatia and Ian Chang are members of the popular alter-pop band Son Lux, and cellist Tomeka Reid is a new jazz power source and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant (2022).