ECM 1410

1989/2008

• Dave Holland – Double Bass
• Steve Coleman – Alto Saxophone
• Kevin Eubanks – Guitar
• Marvin “Smitty” Smith – Drums

Dave Holland’s eighth album to be released on the ECM label. It features two members of his previous quintet Coleman and Smith  alongside  Eubanks, in his first appearance on a Holland record. I had the pleasure of seeing the touring band for this album at the Band On The Wall, Manchester when it first came out. A memorable evening.

Album of the Year in Downbeat and rightly so. Beautifully recorded by Manfred Eicher the album is packed with exemplary playing, especially by the leader. The interplay between the four musicians is remarkable. It is predominantly post-bop with Holland leading a riff based series of heads. Eubanks demonstrates a wide variety of styles and Coleman is at his very best. Smith provides a powerful engine but also adds deft touches when the individual leads are soloing.

The open sound and the rock orientated delivery make this an album worth a visit if you are exploring jazz for the first time.