Dave Douglas releases “Gentle Collapse,” the second single from his forthcoming album Transcend, out April 24, 2026.

Reminiscent of Ellington’s work, “Gentle Collapse” shimmers with quiet beauty – a meditative soundscape that lingers, revealing the ensemble’s sensitivity to space, nuance, and collective breath. A poignant muted trumpet line unfolds over textured percussion, joined by cello and guitar ostinatos before giving way to an impassioned saxophone solo from James Brandon Lewis. As the piece moves into tempo, Ian Chang carries the music forward with fluid, shape-shifting improvisations.

Featuring Douglas’s Gifts Quintet, the track highlights the group’s distinctive instrumentation and their ability to create a deeply immersive and atmospheric sound.

“Gentle Collapse” is available now on all streaming platforms, and Transcend is available for pre-order here.

Transcend communicates wonder, awe and connection – a reconciliation between spirit and craft, and between the individual and community.

Personnel:
Dave Douglas, trumpet
Tomeka Reid, cello
James Brandon Lewis, tenor sax
Rafiq Bhatia, guitar
Ian Chang, drums

More from Transcend:
• Album announcement & Single #1 “Energy Fields”
• Gifts Quintet @ Big Ears – Mar. 29
• Gifts Quintet at the Village Vanguard in May