- New One
- Vortex
- World Protection Blues
- Homecoming
- Wights Waits for Weights
Dave Holland – Double Bass
Steve Coleman – Reeds and Flute
Robin Eubanks – Trombone
Marvin Smith – Drums
Kenny Wheeler – Trumpet
Recorded live at the Music Festival Freiburg in 1986,
this international Quintet has a two piece rhythm section and a three-piece
front line. Each of the musicians is a star in his own right and each
has a superb tone and technique, but to me the music is somewhat ethereal.
(This is music speak for "most of the time I don’t know what
is going on"!)
There is no doubt that Dave Holland is one of the
finest bass players the UK has produced, after a classical training
at the Guildhall school of Music in London, he joined the Ronnie Scott
Band. It was whilst he was playing with Ronnie that Miles Davies heard
him and offered him the job with his band. Since that time Dave has
been recognised internationally as one of the best around. Marvin
‘Smitty’ Smith is one of the most in demand drummers in the USA. Kenny
Wheeler is a Canadian who lives in the UK and was at one time part
of the Johnny Dankworth Band
Unfortunately the sleeve notes are very sparse, as
is the case with most of this series.
On the first improvisation ‘Vortex’ Dave Holland
demonstrates his technical and improvisational skills, followed by
a similar performance by Marvin Smith. The front line indulges in
some collective improvisations, which for the most part sound like
a band warming up before a concert!
World protection Blues has a Trombone solo from Robin
Eubanks with a scored backing. ‘Homecoming’ starts in a more promising
way, there is a tune at the head but this is followed by joint free
improvisation from Alto and Trombone.
‘Wights’ starts with a Bass riff, which is then repeated
by the band before solos.
This DVD features outstanding musicians, all of which
have an excellent reputation.
I wish I could say I enjoyed it!
Don Mather
CD Reviews
DV-JDHQ
