Dave Holland: Extended Play

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * *)

This double-disc is recorded live at Birdland with former Miles Davis bassist Holland's terrific band, which includes saxophonist Potter again (see above), avant-trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibes player Steve Nelson and drummer Billy Kilson. Anyone who thinks the spirit of inventive jazz is moribund should check this out. Drawing on material in which the band is grounded, and recorded on truncated, studio-bound album tracks, the musicians have solo space here to stamp their musical personalities all over the open-ended material. They also swing in Ellington-esque unison. Eubanks bridges the divide between woozy New Orleans funk and post-bop free playing; Potter, even more impressive here than with Swallow, touches all aspects of the saxophone spectrum where appropriate; Kilson is inventive and throws odd time signatures at the others; Nelson brings a primal West African marimba quality; and Holland is lyrical, supportive and rhythmic. A blinder of a two hour-plus set from one of the best bands around.

Label: ECM