Jazz Articles about Dave Holland

Stan Getz: My Foolish Heart

by AAJ Staff
January 22, 2003

Opening with a snappy “Invitation," this newly-found home recording shows off what producer Joel Dorn calls “prime Getz." Rodgers and Hart’s “Spring is Here" wafts and splashes through a fragrant rain chilled by Jack DeJohnette’s shivery brush work, but DeJohnette sharpens the tempo for Chick Corea’s “Litha," sparking Stan and Richie Beirach to burning life.

This is not another “Desafinado" compilation. This is Getz cookin’ it up with a team of ‘big name’ players. Dave Holland’s bouncy ...

The Dave Holland Big Band: What Goes Around

by Jack Bowers
November 1, 2002

I've never been overly impressed by popularity contests, and as British-bred bassist Dave Holland swept the field in this year's Down Beat magazine critics' poll, I was thoroughly prepared not to like What Goes Around by Holland's thirteen-piece big band.

Surprise! The album is far better than expected; in fact, I'd go so far as to concede that it is thoroughly absorbing, enlivened every step of the way by notably innovative charts and earnestly inspired blowing from Holland's company of ...

Dave Holland Big Band: What Goes Around

by AAJ Staff
September 9, 2002

With a musical force like bassist Dave Holland at the helm, it's hard to imagine a group going wrong. But his new big band has a singular problem: too many players. Thirteen musicians, each more than capable, join forces on What Goes Around, which features seven tunes composed and arranged arranged by the man himself. Unfortunately this increase in scale just doesn't translate into much except redundancy. The core quintet (Potter, Eubanks, Nelson, Holland, and Kilson) has repeatedly proven its ...

Miles Davis: The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions

by Michael Fortuna
December 1, 2001

Miles Davis was an innovator from the moment he first picked up the trumpet. But for years, the public didn't have a clear enough picture of Davis' journey from jazz into the rock/funk sounds of James Brown and Jimi Hendrix as well as his use of electric instruments.At the time, all the public knew of was the funk groove and electric piano sounds of “Stuff" from Miles in the Sky, followed by more electric sounds on Filles de ...

Dave Holland Quintet: Not For Nothin'

by David Adler
November 1, 2001

The follow-up to last year’s Prime Directive is another must-hear. Once again, Dave Holland turns to each of his bandmates for writing contributions, considerably expanding the rhythmic and harmonic palette of the quintet. Chris Potter’s irrepressible “Lost and Found" may just be one of the best jazz tracks of our day. Robin Eubanks’s “Global Citizen," the opener, with its riveting grooves, killer unaccompanied bass break, and unexpected tempo shifts, is another candidate for top honors. Billy Kilson’s off-kilter “Billows of ...

Dave Holland: Not For Nothin'

by C. Andrew Hovan
November 1, 2001

Although it may not quite approach the grandeur and sonority of his ‘80s ensemble with Kenny Wheeler and Marvin “Smitty” Smith, bassist Dave Holland’s current group continues to show promise in the light of their most recent editions for ECM. While drummer Billy Kilson still seems just a tad too busy for this reviewer, Steve Nelson’s vibes add a shimmering quality to the quintet’s work that had been missing previously. And it should go without saying that Chris Potter is ...

Bill Frisell with Dave Holland and Elvin Jones: Bill Frisell with Dave Holland and Elvin Jones

by Glenn Astarita
November 1, 2001

The mere fact that legendary drummer, Elvin Jones, and bassist Dave Holland are backing guitarist, Bill Frisell makes for an interesting proposition. However, those familiar with Jones and Holland should be aware of their respective faculties as artists who have performed with the creme de al creme of jazz, as their resumes and legacies are well documented. With this release, the rhythm sections' charter is seemingly fabricated upon delving into the leader's musical mindset, and highly individualistic style.

On the ...