LARRY DOUGLAS returns with a unique EP in an “electric jazz” style, melding R&B, Jazz, and both new and old school hip-hop into an eclectic vision reflecting Douglas’ philosophy of “sound painting.” Perhaps unsurprisingly for an artist who’s worked with both Sun Ra and Chuck Berry, Douglas demonstrates his capacity to bridge genres and eras deftly on Music Speaks For Me [Deluxe], such as on his cover of Mark Morrison’s R&B classic “Return of the Mack” (with original verses by Amen Kush and Fiyahman). The track’s instrumental arrangement, featuring percussionist Jorge Pineda, places the nineties New Jack Swing jam into a jazzy context.

“Me and My Cohiba,” a track that sees Larry laying down a trumpet tone that Leonard Feather called “velvety and silky,” features a solid rap performance from Remi and dreamy synths laid over LaDamon Fatboi Douglas’s hypnotic, retro drum programming. Larry Douglas’ flute meets a funky synth-based groove and Greg Cone’s vocals on the title track, a tune that instrumentally spans hip-hop’s history with a jazz sensibility. “Outstanding” is a lush confluence of tones and timbres with Douglas showing his full range, utilizing vibes, trumpet and flute to compliment guest Atozzio’s mellifluous voice.

The Deluxe Edition adds two tracks: “They Call Her Zadie Mae,” a collaboration with Clifford Lamb, and an instrumental cover of Al Jarreau & George Benson’s “All I Am.” As a veteran of the San Francisco scene with decades of experience under his belt, Larry Douglas is a bridge between genres & eras on Music Speaks For Me. Larry Douglas: Trumpet, Muted Trumpet, Vibes, Flute, LaDamon Douglas: Synthesizer, Piano, Rhodes, Drum Programming, Scratches, Clifford Lamb: Piano, Prentice Spry: Piano, Essiet Essiet: Bass, Garret Douglas: Bass, Jorge Pineda: Congos, Bongos, Clave.

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