Trumpets

What We Live has established itself as a nifty West Coast trio that immerses itself in new sounds. A collective effort of bassist Lisle Ellis, drummer Donald Robinson, and saxophonist Lawrence Ochs, the group has contributed some important recordings largely free from the influences of the New York, Chicago, and European scenes. While the trio released an earlier quintet recording with both trumpeters Dave Douglas and Wadada Leo Smith, this one features each trumpeter separately with the group. Not only is it an opportunity to compare the two horns (both of whom are characteristically stellar), but the separate trumpets add immeasurably to the trio sound without cluttering it. The three tracks with Smith seem to work best, and the trumpeter has rarely been heard to better effect. Yet, Douglas' more urbane tone is not to be missed either. Don't forget the outstanding legwork of the trio, which is full of surprises. ~ Steven Loewy