Three Views cover

Three Views

Dave Douglas · 2011

120 min · 19 tracks · jazz

An expansive blend of improvisational jazz showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic interplay among musicians.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Town Hall Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Lush Life — This track offers a fresh interpretation of a classic standard, highlighting Douglas’s ability to infuse traditional jazz with contemporary sensibilities while showcasing the ensemble’s rich textures.
  • →
    Night Growl — With its rhythmic complexity and spontaneous energy, this piece exemplifies the group’s improvisational synergy, making it a standout representation of the album's overall approach.
  • →
    Witness — This composition features a haunting melody paired with intricate harmonies, illustrating the emotional depth and narrative quality that Douglas brings to his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate melodies and dynamic interplay create a distinctive sound, though its length affects cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album features a total of 19 tracks, with several pieces extending beyond five minutes, allowing for extended improvisation.
  • Each track showcases a different instrumentation and arrangement, highlighting the interplay between the trumpet and various accompanying instruments.
  • The first half of the album maintains a more energetic tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration with peaks
  • patient unfolding of melodies
  • intricate rhythms for deep focus
  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • for late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek straightforward, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Themes
collaborative improvisation· contemporary jazz reinterpretation· dynamic ensemble synergy
Moods
Focus· Intense
Career context
By the time 'Three Views' was released in 2011, Dave Douglas had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, known for his innovative approach. This album marked his return to a more collaborative ensemble format after previous solo endeavors, showcasing his ability to integrate diverse influences and styles into his work.
Stylistic neighbors
Chris Potter· Avishai Cohen· Maria Schneider

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Town Hall Start here 7:06
  • 2 Night Growl 4:13
  • 3 Lush Life 7:29
  • 4 Thread 6:01
  • 5 Safeway 5:10
  • 6 My Old Sign 5:50

Disc 2

  • 1 The Gulf 9:01
  • 2 Valori Bollati 7:22
  • 3 Solato 8:18
  • 4 Orologi 11:38
  • 5 Orange Afternoons 8:24
  • 6 Frontier Justice 4:13

Disc 3

  • 1 One More News 4:54
  • 2 Bad Mango 5:45
  • 3 Nome 2:58
  • 4 Witness 8:34
  • 5 Spider 2:50
  • 6 One Shot 5:32
  • 7 Time Leveler 4:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata