Dave
Holland Octet
at St George's, Bristol, Brandon Hill.
Saturday 3rd March 2001
Dave
Holland = Bass
Antonio Hart = Reeds/woodwind
Chris Potter =
Reeds
Gary Smulyan =
Reeds
Steve Nelson = Vibes
Kenny
Wheeler = Trumpet/flugelhorn
Robin Eubanks = Trombone
Billy Kilson =
Drums |
 |
|
|
|
Master
bass player Dave Holland brought his new octet to
St George's, Bristol, and a fine occasion it turned
out to be.
With the emphasis on new work, the band played two
mesmerising sets of pulsating, highly rhythmically-based
material that had the crowd on their feet by 10pm
demanding more.
Holland - an Englishman resident in New York since
that fateful day in 1969 when Miles Davis found him
playing at Ronnie Scott's and invited him to replace
the legendary Ron Carter in his group - has assembled
a fine group of musicians, at home equally on ballads
or blowing a storm on more up-beat numbers.
Consisting of Dave's regular quintet, augmented by
Wheeler (that non-pareil among trumpeters), Hart and
Smulyan, the band display elements of Mingus (including
a cracking tribute piece), and Ellington, particularly
the latter's work with a smaller group.
"There is the potential to create a large ensemble
sound when you need it, but there's still enough intimacy
there with eight players to get a small group feel
as well.," said Dave.
Cornerstone of the ensemble sound is the superb Kenny
Wheeler. Now a sprightly 70, the Canadian-born trumpeter
is a master of both trumpet and flugelhorn. What's
more his unmistakable tone provides a wonderful romantic
lilt to much of the performance.
Many of the songs were reminiscent of his excellent
ECM album Music For Large And Small Ensembles from
1990 (with Holland on bass), and was none the worse
for that. But there was much more to enjoy besides.
Eubanks is a superb trombonist with a relaxed, caressing
tone. Having played with Holland's groups for many
years now he has a real understanding of the music
and a great empathy with his fellow musicians.
Holland has also found two excellent sax players in
Potter and Hart, the latter dropping in witty and
eclectic quotes throughout the performance, including a
Mozart symphony as well as Miles's Jean Pierre.
Add to these the inventive virtuoso baritone of Gary
Smulyan, the excellent vibes playing of Steve Nelson,
and, of course Holland himself and the recipe is there
for a fine blend. Holland is nothing if not a master
of his instrument.
Variously laying down a catchy riff around which the
extended piece What Goes Round was based, then soloing
seemingly effortlessly to great effect, he has an
enviable skill of making the instrument appear easy
to play.
Moreover, it is impossible not to feel engaged by
the man as he so obviously gets a great buzz from
performing. I don't think the beatific smile left
his face throughout the performance.
Behind the ensemble throughout, providing a fine accompaniment
is the superb Billy Kilson, a young talent who plays
with a maturity and ease which must be the envy of
many of his elders.
The (CMN) Contemporary Music Network-sponsored tour
ends in Manchester 0161 907 55278/5279 (March 9).
Do yourself a favour - get along and see this fine
group of musicians if you can.
Paul Stevens |
|
