For nearly 20 years,Dave Holland has been like the Miles Davis of past years - playing in Dave's bands is THE jazz gig to get, and only the best get the gig. All of these guys are absolute monsters.
He has very little in common with Miles. as he never got into that fusion phony baloney that was all hat and no cattle! Miles went to sleep during the latter part of his career and tried to come back towards the end of it with that concert in Montreaux with Quincy Jones. By then his chops on the trumpet were clearly gone and he needed Wallace Rodney to play the hard parts of the Gil Evans pieces. Contrast this with, for example, McCoy Tyner's career who remaining his old self up to his recent death and you will see a huge difference!
No wonder Dave is smiling.What a superb and dynamic group.The dialogue between the sax and trombone is so exciting and the rest of the group complement the solos so well.
What I love is the fact that Nate replaced Billy and didn't try to compete with his style! Nate came in, and his own style is just as perfect as Billy's. Chris and Robin? Sonic perfection! Steve's vibes are so beautiful and he's that unassuming presence that's always there, but never in the way. And Mr. Holland? I truly believe that every time I hear him, his playing recalibrates my soul! Prime Directive, and Metamorphos are my absolute favorite Dave Holland pieces to hear live! MAGNIFIQUE GENTLEMEN!!!
