DAVE HOLLAND | EVAN PARKER | CRAIG TABORN and CHES SMITH - Uncharted Territories (2018) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1-1    Thought On Earth    7:37
1-2    Piano - Bass - Percussion T1    5:47
1-3    Q&A    4:40
1-4    Tenor - Percussion W2    3:25
1-5    QT12    6:10
1-6    Tenor - Bass W3    2:44
1-7    QW2    8:17
1-8    Tenor - Piano - Bass T2    5:36
1-9    Organ - Vibes W1    6:14
1-10    Bass - Percussion T2    5:07
1-11    Tenor - Piano - Percussion T1    9:35
2-1    QT13    6:25
2-2    Tenor - Piano - Percussion T2    4:10
2-3    Piano - Percussion W3    5:01
2-4    QT5    6:54
2-5    Tenor - Bass W1    4:16
2-6    Piano - Bass - Percussion T2    5:37
2-7    Unsteady As She Goes    5:38
2-8    Bass - Percussion T1    6:03
2-9    QW5    2:26
2-10    Tenor - Bass - Percussion T1    5:18
2-11    Tenor - Bass W2    3:46
2-12    QW1    10:01
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Composed By – Ches Smith (pistas: 1-1, 2-7), Dave Holland (pistas: 1-3)
Percussion – Ches Smith
Piano, Organ, Keyboards, Electronics – Craig Taborn
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Evan Parker

DAVE HOLLAND BIG BAND - Overtime (2005) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This exceptional date by Dave Holland Big Band was recorded in 2002 in New York, yet remained unreleased until 2005. As is to be expected, Holland assembled a fine cast of seasoned and young players, some of whom are veterans of Holland's quintets and quartets. These are four saxophones -- two alto, tenor and baritone -- three trumpets and trombones, and vibes as well as bass and drums. They include Chris Potter and Robin and Duane Eubanks, Antonio Hart, Steve Nelson, Josh Roseman, Billy Kilson, Taylor Haskins, Gary Smulyan, Jonathan Arons and Alex Sipiagin. The music centers around the opening four-part "Monterey Suite," a tour de force commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival and originally performed there in 2001. Holland's writing for the trombone section is dynamite. Roseman, Arons, and Robin Eubanks offer up solid bottom rung lines and tight timing as anchors for the rest of the brass though they often charge out front. Potter once more displays his talents as not only a fine soloist but as an excellent ensemble player, carrying the chair with authority and verve. The beautiful "Ario" hosts some really knotty and swelling harmonic interludes and the closer, "Last Minute Man," is electrifying, transcending the confines of the studio. This is an essential Holland date, it is exciting, colorful and wildly innovative. Let's hope he composes and records more in this idiom soon.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist :
1     Bring It On 11:58
Dave Holland
2     Free for All 17:37
Dave Holland
3     A Time Remembered 11:45
Dave Holland
4     Happy Jammy 9:36
Dave Holland
5     Ario 11:08
Dave Holland
6     Mental Images 9:22
Robin Eubanks
7     Last Minute Man 7:13
Dave Holland
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Mark Gross
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Antonio Hart
Arranged By, Double Bass – Dave Holland
Artwork [Cover Art] – Niklaus Troxler
Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan
Double Bass, Producer – Dave Holland
Drums – Billy Kilson
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Potter
Trombone – Jonathan Arons, Josh Roseman, Robin Eubanks
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alex "Sasha" Sipiagin, Duane Eubanks, Taylor Haskins
Vibraphone, Marimba – Steve Nelson 

DAVE HOLLAND QUINTET - Critical Mass (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One word that comes to mind when listening to Critical Mass is generosity. Double-bassist Dave Holland, four decades into his career, could certainly be forgiven for taking the word "leader" at its literal meaning, calling all the shots and keeping his musicians at bay. But that's not what he's about, and at any given time Critical Mass could just as easily have been credited to saxist Chris Potter, trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibist/marimbaist Steve Nelson, or drummer Nate Smith. Each player is provided with ample moments in which to take charge, and not fleeting, gratuitous moments but rather significant chunks of solo/lead space. Holland's belief in sharing extends to the area of composition as well. Each bandmember contributes one piece to the album (Holland does claim the other four, however) and, more often than not, uses that opportunity to shapeshift, to push the band -- and make no mistake, this is a band, not a random collection of studio players -- into unexplored territory. That's not to say that Holland takes a back seat -- his presence is always strongly felt -- only that he recognizes that the bass is, first and foremost, a support instrument and he's content with using it as such when the piece calls for it. When he does step in to take the leadership role, he is endlessly creative, commanding in his ability to sidestep predictability and further his own legend. The particular mix of instrumentation here allows for numerous rhythmic and tonal variations as well: on the album's longer pieces, in particular -- Eubanks' exploratory "Full Circle," Holland's appropriately hypnotic "Easy Did It," Nelson's multi-hued "Amator Silenti" -- the quintet's cohesiveness and utmost respect for one another becomes clearer by the minute. by Jeff Tamarkin  
Tracklist :
1    The Eyes Have It 7:00
Written-By – Dave Holland
2    Easy Did It 11:16
Written-By – Dave Holland
3    Vicissitudes 9:56
Written-By – Chris Potter
4    The Leak 5:42
Written-By – Nate Smith
5    Secret Garden 8:42
Written-By – Dave Holland
6    Lucky Seven 8:45
Written-By – Dave Holland
7    Full Circle 12:11
Written-By – Robin Eubanks
8    Amator Silenti 9:17
Written-By – Steve Nelson
Credits :
Artwork – Niklaus Troxler
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Nate Smith
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Chris Potter
Trombone – Robin Eubanks
Vibraphone, Marimba, Tambourine – Steve Nelson

DAVE HOLLAND SEXTET - Pass It On (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dave Holland's quintets and big bands have set a new high standard for modern mainstream and progressive jazz since the late '90s. While not a new assertion, and considering his entire body of work, Holland has time and time again proven his compositional theorems as valid, accessible, ever interesting, and especially memorable. Using a sextet, upright bassist Holland sets the bar even higher, adding the always tasteful pianist Mulgrew Miller and a four-horn front line that is relentless. This group continues to define jazz perfectly in the 21st century. Evidence is offered in the jaunty opening "The Sum of All Parts," a 5/4 African percussion-based piece led out by the always interesting Robin Eubanks, with folded-in alto and trumpet, witty counterpoint, and the always engaging, joyous sound that Holland has perfected in the past decade. Adding a light samba feel during the upbeat "Fast Track" with the horns in perfect unison, the ensemble shifts up to hard bop, the hip piano of Miller adding to the enjoyability quotient. A 10/8 choppy and bouncy "Modern Times" also uses Brazilian inferences and a clarion call, and has Antonio Hart switching to soprano. On the soulful side, the title track recalls visions of Horace Silver courtesy of Miller -- a groovy, fun boogaloo that has "radio hit" written all over it, while "Lazy Snake" takes the soul element deep underground -- there's one on every Holland CD -- and contrasts it with a suggestion of stark surrealism. Then there's the near 14-minute, free-based, diffuse "Rivers Run" (dedicated to Sam Rivers) accented by the bowed bass of Holland, building in intensity as the horns step up the sonic density in darker hues. Of course, this band can easily drive music hard, as on the post-bopper "Equality," which turns sullen and funky, then swings angularly. "Double Vision" sports a Native American spirit feel in a feature for Hart's stylistic alto, and the serene, lucid ballad "Processional" in 5/4 time is further support to the notion that intellectual music need not be devoid of warm blue notes infused into its fabric. The addition of the wonderful trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, the ever-maturing trombone playing of Eubanks (who wrote "The Sum of All Parts" and "Rivers Run"), and the nearly perfect percussive propulsion of the extraordinary drummer Eric Harland make this band practically unstoppable, and unprecedented in seizing mantles for its sheer talent level. Another triumph among many solid efforts the clearly brilliant and effusive Holland has strung together, this should certainly be a popular item among listeners and critics, and is a strong contender for best jazz CD of 2008. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1     The Sum of All Parts 8:11
Robin Eubanks
2     Fast Track 6:30
Dave Holland
3     Lazy Snake 10:07
Dave Holland
4     Double Vision 8:07
Dave Holland
5     Equality 9:09
Dave Holland
6     Modern Times 5:58
Dave Holland
7     Rivers Run 13:45
Dave Holland
8     Processional 4:33
Dave Holland
9     Pass It On 7:56
Dave Holland
Credits :
Drums – Eric Harland
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Saxophone [Alto] – Antonio Hart
Trombone – Robin Eubanks
Trumpet – Alex "Sasha" Sipiagin

DAVE HOLLAND OCTET - Pathways (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With five A-list horn players -- Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones, Antonio Hart on alto sax and flute, Gary Smulyan on baritone sax, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet and flügelhorn, and Robin Eubanks on trombone -- on board, and anchoring supplied by Dave Holland's bass, Nate Smith's drums, and Steve Nelson's marimba and vibes, there's a lot of swing residing within these grooves. There is also empathy to spare. Pathways, recorded live at New York's Birdland and the first release by the Holland Octet, is tightly woven, devoid of bloat, and constantly in motion. Holland, in his multi-decade career, has worked within every conceivable format, and he smartly positions the octet precisely where it should be by definition, midway between the standard small-group configuration and the all-bases-covered grandness of a big band. The arrangements often seem larger than life while simultaneously feeling succinct, and every solo -- not the least of which are Holland's own masterful excursions -- is carefully considered and masterfully executed. The album's seven tracks are all written by bandmembers -- five by Holland, one each by Sipiagin and Potter -- and two of Holland's, "Shadow Dance" and "How's Never?" (both of which he's recorded before), are the longest of the show, allowing for multiple shifts in mood, tempo, and color. Holland uses those pieces, in particular, as launching pads for dynamic solo exhibits and inspired duets, but in the end it's not the dexterity of the individuals that impresses most, but rather the groupthink of the ensemble. by Jeff Tamarkin  
Tracklist :
1     Pathways 10:46
Dave Holland
2     How's Never? 13:03
Dave Holland
3     Sea of Marmara 9:03
Chris Potter
4     Ebb and Flow 10:48
Dave Holland
5     Blue Jean 7:28
Dave Holland
6     Wind Dance 9:10
Alex Sipiagin
7     Shadow Dance 15:06
Dave Holland
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Antonio Hart
Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Nate Smith
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Chris Potter
Trombone – Robin Eubanks
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alex Sipiagin
Vibraphone, Marimba – Steve Nelson

DAVE HOLLAND / PEPE HABICHUELA - Hands (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dave Holland is best known as one of the great jazz bassists of his generation. Pepe Habichuela is an awe-inspiring flamenco guitarist. The two of them together, with Josemi and Carlos Carmona on additional guitars as well as a pair of percussionists, prove to be a wonderful combination. Holland brings his own experience to flamenco, subsuming himself in the genre, his bass imitating a voice on the glorious "Camaron," and giving free rein to the percussionists on "Joyride." It's Habichuela's magical fingers that mesmerize, covering the scales as adroitly as any pianist and bringing a rich fullness and a stunning imagination to the sound. But what's really at work here is a group consciousness, an exploration of flamenco, and the listener shares Holland's journey. There's nothing here that's diluted -- this is hardcore flamenco, very much the real thing -- and the hard realism is one of the great pleasures. Even though it can be overwhelming at times, that's in a good way. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist :
1     Hands [Fandango de Huelva] 5:58
Jose Antonio Carmona / Jose Miguel Carmona
2     Subi la Cuesta [Tangos] 5:00
Jose Antonio Carmona
3     Camaron [Taranta] 5:42
Jose Antonio Carmona
4     The Whirling Dervish 7:32
Dave Holland
5     Yesqueros [Media Granaina] 3:22
Jose Antonio Carmona
6     El Ritmo Me Lleva [Rumba] 5:52
Jose Antonio Carmona
7     Bailaor [Seguiriya Cabal] 9:01
Jose Antonio Carmona
8     Joyride 5:30
Dave Holland
9     Puente Quebrao [Buleria] 5:37
Jose Antonio Carmona
10     My Friend Dave [Solea] 3:03
Jose Antonio Carmona
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Cajón, Percussion – Israel Porrina (Piraña), Juan Carmona
Guitar – Carlos Carmona, Josemi Carmona, Pepe Habichuela
 

DAVE HOLLAND - Prism (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bassist Dave Holland has been at the forefront of experimental, forward-thinking jazz ever since his formative years playing in Miles Davis' fusion ensemble. His 2013 album, Prism, finds Holland returning to his crossover funk roots with an able-bodied quartet. Featured here are former Tonight Show guitarist Kevin Eubanks, pianist/Rhodes keyboardist Craig Taborn, and drummer Eric Harland. All of these musicians have reputations for playing adventurous, genre-bending styles of jazz, making them perfectly suited for the project at hand. Holland's fourth outing on his own Dare2 Records, Prism follows his 2008 sextet date Pass It On, his 2010 octet album Pathways, and his 2010 flamenco-inspired Hands. All of those records were equally engaging and progressive in their own ways, but none showcased Holland's interest in the angular, knotty funk and fusion he explores here. Tracks like the expansive "The Watcher" and the roiling "Spirals" feature explosive, frenetic soloing from the band as well as moments of layered group interplay. Elsewhere, cuts like "The Empty Chair" and "Evolution" explore a more minimalist, modal sense of atmosphere that allow for extended and far-reaching improvisational moments. For fans of Davis' Bitches Brew period, during which Holland was a member of the band, there is plenty of expansive, abstract soloing, Rhodes keyboard squelch, and fuzz-laden guitar. We also get several introspective songs on Prism, with the poignant, midtempo Eubanks feature "The Color of Iris," and the gorgeous Harland-penned "Breathe." Of course, Holland's bass is the grounding force for the ensemble, and thankfully, he gets plenty of room to stretch out from beginning to end. by Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1   The Watcher [6:56]
Kevin Eubanks
2   The Empty Chair (For Clare) [8:31]
Dave Holland
3   Spirals [8:46]
Craig Taborn
4   Choir [4:49]
Eric Harland
5   The Color Of Iris
Kevin Eubanks
6   A New Day [7:51]
Dave Holland
7   The True Meaning Of Determination [9:19]
Craig Taborn
8   Evolution [10:24]
Kevin Eubanks
9   Breathe [5:40]
Eric Harland
Credits :
Dave Holland, bass;
Kevin Eubanks, guitar;
Craig Taborn, piano and Fender Rhodes;
Eric Harland, drums.

DAVE HOLLAND, KEVIN EUBANKS & OBED CALVAIRE - Another Land (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bassist Dave Holland has led many different ensembles in his 60-plus-year career. They include everything from solo and duo outings to big bands. That said, his trio dates have been among the most memorable: They include four albums with the Gateway, with guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer Jack DeJohnette, 2019's Good Hope with Chris Potter and Zakir Hussain, and 2020's Without Deception with pianist Kenny Barron and drummer Johnathan Blake. Another Land is an evolutionary trio offering. Holland's band includes guitarist Kevin Eubanks and drummer Obed Calvaire. Holland and Eubanks worked together on 1990's Extensions and 2013's quartet offering Prism. Veteran Calvaire, currently a member of the SF Jazz Collective and a prolific session drummer, has toured with Holland and Eubanks since 2015. Another Land marks the group's recorded debut; its musical approach was conceived during those gigs.
These nine tunes include four each by the bassist and guitarist, with another by Calvaire. Eubanks' "Grave Walker" lends weight to the reputation of this group as a power trio. It emerges without an intro as full-on, knotty jazz-funk. Eubanks is a wildly diverse player. He leans in with punchy chordal vamps, razor-wire single-string runs, and a rhythmic strut that meets Calvaire's funky breaks and martial snare with grease and grit. Holland emerges in the foreground, riffing and vamping, adding a colorful harmonic dimension to the rhythmic assault. "20-20" commences as a moody tonal meditation with Eubanks fingerpicking to sparse maracas and droning bass notes. He goes silent before delivering a massive blues riff ratcheting the intensity. Calvaire responds with elegant restraint -- even playing double time -- as Holland bridges their interplay with deft, pulsing pizzicato runs and accents. Eubanks' choppy rhythm vamps balance the funky soul of Nile Rogers and Prince, while his fleet, spiky jazz-rock runs recall the post-Mahavishnu John McLaughlin. This trio is capable of sublime swing too. Check the intricate, silky interplay between bassist and guitarist on the title track as Calvaire illuminates their inquiries with lithe hi-hat and snare work. Holland's three-note upright vamp introduces Calvaire's dancing kit on "Gentle Warrior." Eubanks unfolds the spectral melody in stages as the band increases the tempo. They converse in subtle yet weighty call-and-response in the bridge. The single "Mashup" is another muscular groover wedding post-bop, blues, rock, and funk across jarring, striated cadences that never lose the groove. The dialogue between Holland and Eubanks is startling; they go at one another upping the ante in rounds before Eubanks' elegant solo calms the waters a bit as Calvaire combines rockist intensity and funky breaks with post-bop swing. Closer "Bring It Back Home" is a gentle stunner. Its slippery bluesy articulation references Jimi Hendrix's later R&B-influenced work with bassist Billy Cox. Another Land finds this trio putting forth a complex rhythmic approach to jazz harmony, chromaticism, and improvisation, while sounding loose and carefree.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist :
1     Grave Walker 6:59
Kevin Eubanks
2     Another Land 9:18
Dave Holland
3     Gentle Warrior 8:46
Obed Calvaire
4     20 20 8:24
Kevin Eubanks
5     Quiet Fire 4:39
Dave Holland
6     Mashup 6:35
Kevin Eubanks
7     Passing Time 8:08
Dave Holland
8     The Village 8:47
Kevin Eubanks
9     Bring It Back Home 5:59
Dave Holland
Credits :
Bass, Bass Guitar – Dave Holland
Drums – Obed Calvaire
Guitar – Kevin Eubanks