Extended Play: Live at Birdland

Extended Play: Live at Birdland

Having convinced many people that they are the finest working group in jazz in the studio, the Dave Holland Quintet here bids to convince those who haven't seen them live--and those who have--that they're the best working group anywhere. Taking advantage of the rare opportunity to document themselves in performance in full, expansive flight--the pieces push the standard envelope at 10 and 15 and 20 minutes, across two discs--the band shows off the heady sense of interaction they have developed during their years together. Veteran bassist Holland, who drew acclaim for his first big band effort, breaks down his original themes with surgical precision, maintaining a sharp edge with driving unison lines, geometric divisions, and full-bodied solos by saxophonist Chris Potter, trombonist Robin Eubanks (who steals the show) and vibraphonist Steve Nelson. Whenever the resolutions get too neat, drummer Billy Kilson restores their power with his explosive drumming. <I>--Lloyd Sachs</I>