DAVE ADEWUMI

THE FLAME BENEATH THE SILENCE

Giant Step Arts

Dave Adewumi, trumpet; Joel Ross, vibraphone; Linda May Han Oh, bass; Marcus Gilmore, drums.

Dave Adewumi is a noteworthy, fresh, new trumpeter on the jazz scene.  A graduate of the New England Conservatory and The Julliard School, Adewumi became the first jazz trumpeter to receive the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship in 2017.  In 2019, he won First Place at the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition.  Continuing to build his legacy, in 2024 ASCAP crowned him with the Young Jazz Composer Award and Gregory Morris Composing Fellowship.  Last year (2025) he received the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship. Additionally, he was voted a “Rising Star” in the DownBeat magazine Critics Poll.

His debut album, poetically titled, “The Flame Beneath the Silence,” was recorded “live” at Brooklyn’s Ornithology, to showcase Adewumi’s composer skills, as well as his trumpet style and talent.

“I was planning on recording and had started writing a song every day as a resolution to myself last year,” Dave Adewumi explained in his press package.

Then, by happenstance he attended a Giant Steps Arts concert and introduced himself to co-head, Jimmy Katz.  Some supportive musicians had whispered in Katz’s ear about the young, gifted trumpeter. That chance meeting inspired this recording opportunity.

“I met Linda through Dave Douglas, and I’ve been a fan of hers since I was in high school.  I met Joel at a program called the International Association of Schools of Jazz where we were placed in the same ensemble.  Marcus is the only one I didn’t have a formal relationship with before the session.  But I was a big fan of his work.  Throughout my time at New England Conservatory, we would just have listening sessions, and I was completely mesmerized by Marcus’s playing.  The fact that he’s on this project is still something I can’t believe,” shared Adewumi, talking about his talented bandmates.

The title tune opens this album.  The bassline of Linda May Han Oh solidifies the groove and holds the piece in perfect place.  The rolling drums of Marcus Gilmore both color and secure the tempo. Adewumi’s horn is free to flitter and float above the dynamic track his band produces.

The second track called “Is” was spurred forward by the vibraphonist ticking one note like a clock pendulum. He held this one note steady, throughout the beginning strains of this piece, before becoming melodic. That’s when Joel Ross dazzled me with his instrument.  Meanwhile, Dave Adewumi improvised wildly on trumpet.

Titled “Abandon,” the trumpeter seems more melodic and pensive during this presentation.  This composition snatches my attention. Adewumi has written all ten tunes for this album. This ethereal sounding composition intoxicates my spirit.  Adewumi’s horn plays tender, tentative and exploratory on his lovely melody. The bass trembles and the vibes arpeggio as they contribute supportively in the background.

On “Breach the Gap” they let Marcus Gilmore loose on his trap drums to open Adewumi’s piece.  The trumpeter brings Nigerian roots from New Hampshire to NYC.  There, he was mentored by critically acclaimed musicians including Ralph Alessi, Ran Blake, Frank Carlberg, John McNeil and the late Laurie Blake.  He was accepted to the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program.

On Track #7, “The Vine” his female bassist shines during an improvised solo., as does the vibraphonist, while doubling the time.  Adewumi adds his lead trumpet, exploring whistle tones.  “Out Cry” is quite Avant-garde with the trumpet scratching surfaces of space, like fingernails against a blackboard. It lasts only a minute but leaves a definitive impression. The sounds this musician yanks out of his trumpet are beautiful or disturbing; uniquely creative or casually cool.

This blossoming artist has performed worldwide.  His modern jazz debut album is certain to elevate his career. Clearly, Dave Adewumi lets his horn become “The Flame Beneath the Silence.”

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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