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Dave Holland: Another Land
ByFollowing their memorable collaboration on Prism, (Dare2, 2013) Holland is reunited with the inimitable guitarist Kevin Eubanks, while Obed Calvairesomething of a unique voice himselffills the drum stool. From the blistering, funk-fuelled opener, "Gravewalker," one of several tracks to feature Holland on electric bass, the trio's chemistry is pronounceddoubtless the result of road testing the material as far back as 2016. Eubanks is on sizzling form throughout, plying a course somewhere between the searing blues pyrotechnics of Jimi Hendrix and the gritty blues-funk of James Blood Ulmer.
When the need arises, however, the guitarist is subtlety personified, as on the gently caressing title trackwhich features a typically elegant solo from Hollandand on the unaccompanied guitar outing "Quiet Fire," where Eubanks' harp-like delicacy and refined lyricism owes more to the school of Wes Montgomery.
Holland's bowed bass drone bookends "20 20," which builds from ruminative terrain via a driving hook to incendiary solos from Eubanks and Calvaire. The trio's approach is more direct on "Mashup," a muscular post-bop workout crowned by Calvaire's feisty solo over a unison vamp. A trademark Holland ostinato announces "Passing Time," a quietly buoyant slower number that invites beautifully measured solos from bassist and guitarist. Holland reverts to electric bass on "The Village," his eloquent lines contrasting with the spluttering, rasping chop of Eubank's reply. Not to be outdone, Calvaire struts his stuff over another meaty vamp.
The trio bids adieu with "Bring It Back Home," a slow blues of simple rhythmic design perhaps, but smouldering with coiled intensity. Holland and Calvaire's uncluttered, infectious grooves accompany Eubanks on his mazy, blues-drenched run, with the leader also signing off with another wonderfully crafted solo of the sort that Ray Brown would have treasured.
Replete with great solos as it is, Another Land's strength lies as much in the collective grooves and interplay of three musicians who clearly seem to be having fun. Whether or not this trio will enjoy an extended life remains to be seen. Certainly, Holland's curiosity to explore new terrain suggests it is by no means a given. Regardless, Another Land is yet another keeper from the indefatigable English bassist.
Track Listing
Grave Walker; Another Land; Gentle Warrior; 20 20; Quiet Fire; Mashup; Passing Time; The Village; Bring It Back Home.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Another Land | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Edition Records
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