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Dave Holland | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore Dave Holland through Conference of the Birds. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
Dave Holland
Meet the artist
A bassist who was discovered by Miles Davis in 1968 and moved to America. He continued his activities in a wide range of contexts, from the electric-era Davis to his own group. A full, distinct bass tone actively shapes both melody and rhythm.
Repeated figures support changes of meter and instrumental combination, giving ensembles a distinctive momentum. Free improvisation and detailed composition both leave room for partners' voices. Following his work from Miles Davis to his own groups connects electric experimentation with acoustic dialogue. The bass becomes a compelling guide to how a piece is built.
Where to start listening
Use the bass as a reference point while following the lines around it. Compare passages where it provides a foundation with those where it becomes an equal melodic voice.
1972Conference of the Birds
Dave Holland
Dave Holland’s debut as a leader. Features two distinctive instrumentalists, Anthony Braxton and Sam Rivers. A masterpiece of free jazz that balances structure and improvisation.
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2003Extended Play (Live at Birdland)
Dave Holland
This is Dave Holland’s Quintet’s first live album released by ECM. Featuring talented musicians like Chris Potter and Steve Nelson, this album showcases a tight ensemble performance over a long duration of time.
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Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.