Dave Holland Quintet - 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. --Lloyd Sachs Amazon.com

BEST JAZZ LIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE WORLD

WHEN AN ARTIST PLAYS BETTER LIVE THAN STUDIO RECORDINGS YOU REALISE THAT HE IS REAL AND AUTHENTIC.THE SAME APPLIESS HERE.Maybe we will have to wait many many years to come to find another jazz live performace like this.STELLAR PERFORMANCE.the whole music result is so tied and focused here that excites your sences .A great musical adventure . April 16, 2008

Still Stunning

After listening to this recording for the umpteenth time over four years, I wanted to say that the Dave Holland Quintet's Extended Play Live still sounds stunning. The highlights are so numerous that it would be fair to call the entire set a highlight, although one standout for me is the drum-driven, protracted climax of Juggler's Parade, which continues to give me shivers up the spine every time I hear it. All too often, displays of drumming prowess are merely self-aggrandizement for the drummer. In this case, Billy Kilson puts it all in service of the music. Indeed, all the stellar solo work through the album supports rather than detracts from the group effort. A true case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. December 22, 2007

Can jazz be any better?

After listening to this cd over and over again for quite sometime now, I'm still impressed by these 5 tremedous musicians. This is musicmaking of the highest order and anyone with a liking of jazz could safely add this to their collection. You will not be dissapointed December 4, 2006

Awesome CD

This CD is just an unbelievable CD. This is the best CD that Dave Holland and his crew have ever put out so far. My favorite part of the CD is Robin Eubanks and Chris Potter soloing together. The quintet has so much energy when it needs to be loud and knows when to be quiet, if you listen to jazz this is a must own. Even if you don't listen to jazz you should try buying this album, it will open up your mind to what music is really all about instead of listening to brain-numbing pop music being replayed. This album makes most pop music sound terrible. My favorite music album ever. April 28, 2006

A Really Stunning Record

The downside of this CD set is that it will spoil a lot of other music for you including other Dave Holland CD's. When this group first recorded "Prime Directive" in the studio, it was a really nice piece of music. In this recording, "Prime Directive" will lift you out of your chair. At least three other pieces in this set will do the same.

The musicians are in top form, the format allows for long solos, the live audience knows they are hearing something very special. Absolutely buy this music. April 5, 2006

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