That bassline introduction was played by a guy named Dave Holland. Even though it took me several more years to fully embrace that particular style of music, that name stuck with me. I figured that if five seconds of solo bass was that interesting there just had to be more to look forward to.
Well, my ears did not fail me. As I learned more about jazz and improvised music I discovered that this Holland character had contributed to some amazing recordings:
- Filles de Kilimanjaro
- In A Silent Way
- Bitches Brew
Holland went on to have an equally interesting solo (and collaborative) career with ECM records. The list of musicians he's recorded with is a long and impressive one. To name just a few: Jack DeJohnette, John Abercombie, Kenny Wheeler, Charles Lloyd, Pat Metheny, Anthony Braxton, Cassandra Wilson.
For his ECM :rarum collection Holland chose to focus on his work as bandleader. Not a bad thing , really, as he has produced a quite amazing and varied body of sound. The lineups on :rarum X include solo (cello!), two trios, five quintets and three quartets.
A couple of my favorites:
- "Inception" - from Life Cycle. A solo cello record that needs to be in your collection!
- "Conference of the Birds" - from Holland's very first leader date. The personnel is incredible: Sam Rivers (flute), Barry Altshul (marimba, percussion) and Anthony Braxton on soprano sax. Now that I think of it, you need this one in your collection too!
Of course then you'll have to get Circle. A record he did with Chick Corea, Altshul and Braxton. If you enjoy that one you're definitely on the jazz slippery slope. You've been warned.
If you're into jazz and haven't heard of Dave Holland you owe it to yourself to give :rarum X a listen. Your eyes (and ears) will open wide.
I still find myself gravitating toward the record shop on Saturday afternoons. The flame that was lit back in 1984 is still burning.
It's all Dave Holland's fault.
(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)
Article comments
1 - Dave
The most adventurous thing in my collection was Oxygene by Jean Michel Jarre. Weird? Yes. Jazz? Nope.
Yet I purchased my Oxygene LP from the "Jazz" section of my local record store, way back when.
2 - mwanji
I saw Holland's Quintet just last night, fantastic as always.
From his more recent stuff, I would recommend "Prime Directive" and the live double album from last year, "Extended Play."
I'm a big fan of "Conference of the Birds'" title track.