Record Reviews

DAVE HOLLAND ~ EXTENSIONS ECM 1410 (Barcode: 602517758421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2008 British bassist / composer Dave HollandFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest Masters of his trade. From his role as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensembles at their most revolutionary transition period through his work with other distinguished Jazz musicians and his work as a leader, Holland emerges as a pillar of stability and inventiveness combined into one Genius. This brilliant album presents Holland in somewhat unusual setting, with a quartet comprising of US musicians: saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist, which means that the music includes a certain measure of Funk, which is not what Holland´s music is associated with normally. However, the leader and the group emerge victorious (as expected), with the music being fresh and artistically perfect, not allowing the Funk to dominate it, but cleverly incorporating it within. Holland, Coleman and Eubanks contribute two compositions each, and this highly spirited and brilliantly played music is a delightful musical experience. Superb stuff!

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DAVE HOLLAND ~ SEEDS OF TIME ECM 1292 (Barcode: 602567430797) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of an album by iconic British bassist / composer / bandleader Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and three American musicians: saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist, trombonist Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, two of which are composed by Holland, one co-composed with Smith, two by Coleman, one by Wheeler, one by Priester and finally two are by American (resident in Austria) drummer / composer Doug HammondFind albums by this artist. This is the 5th album (out of fourteen) Holland released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, before he established his own record label Dare2Find albums on this label. The album was recorded at the legendary Tonstudio Bauer and offers a spectacular sound quality. The music is absolutely spectacular, and is definitely one of Holland’s best recorded achievements, proposing a series of composed, melody based pieces, performed with a lot of space of freedom, bordering on but never quite going into Free Jazz. The quintet offers a rich sound, often sounding larger than usual quintet sound, due to the fact that the three brass players solo in tandem. Of course Holland’s brilliant bass work is a prominent feature throughout the whole proceedings. Overall, this is a brilliant album, which deserves an honorable place in every decent Jazz records collection, and a great document of Holland’s great contribution to the genre. Although recorded four decades ago, it still sounds absolutely fresh and invigorating. A gem!

Updated: 11/10/2025Posted: 11/10/2025

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DAVE HOLLAND TRIO ~ TRIPLICATE ECM 1373 (Barcode: 602567430810) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1988 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of an album by British Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with American saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Holland, one is a traditional tune arranged by him, one each are original compositions by Coleman and DeJohnette and the remaining two are standards. This was the 7th album by Holland on the ECMFind albums on this label label as a leader and his only trio recording in that capacity, although he recorded quite a few other trio albums for the label as co-leader, for example with the GatewayFind albums by this artist trio, with John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and DeJohnette. The intimate setting as well as great sound quality of the recording are ideal to showcase the brilliant bass work by the leader, for those listeners who are interested especially in his virtuosic performances, but both Coleman and DeJohnette are also sublime players, which makes listening to this trio a truly brilliant musical experience in every aspect. The music is of course dazzling from start to finish, mostly up-tempo numbers based on solid, melodic themes, with intense improvisations by Coleman and superb rhythm section work. There is absolutely no place for any criticism, and listening to this music is a divine pleasure. Overall, as usual with these ECM reissues, it’s great to see them on CD and at a reasonable price, especially since the LP versions are no longer available. The music is beyond reproach of course, recorded at the time ECM were still recording gems rather than pebbles.

Updated: 09/02/2026Posted: 09/02/2026

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