Dave Holland Quintet - Extended Play (Live At Birdland)

A critically acclaimed double album by the Dave Holland Quintet, recorded in 2001 but released in 2003, Extended Play showcases the quintet's exceptional musicianship and ensemble chemistry. It features Dave Holland on double bass, Chris Potter on saxophones, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Steve Nelson on vibraphone and marimba, and Billy Kilson on drums. Nine tracks spanning across two discs comprise material from the group's previous ECM releases. The difference here is an extensive dive into each composition, with most tracks averaging at 15 minutes. The music on the album is incredibly detailed and complex; a labyrinth of odd time signatures, perpetual bass lines and masterful improvising across the band, cementing this album as an audible revelation.

A strong characteristic of this quintet is their ability to cohesively develop the music whilst showcasing individual quality. The opener “The Balance” seamlessly integrates improvising over a constant shifting of tempo and harmony, fluctuating from light to shade as it unfolds. The front-line pairing of Potter and Eubanks is noteworthy; individual solos showcase distinctive personalities, with the sax player melodically fluid on soprano, alto and tenor balancing against Eubanks' pressing tone and clean intonation. A band of highly accomplished musicians can only lead to fireworks. “Prime Directive” is only one of many examples, with an engaging duo battle between the two that produces an intricate matrix of music, twisting in every direction.

Steve Nelson's vibraphone and marimba work adds essential colour and texture, providing an ambiguous yet ever-present harmonic framework that offers just the right amount of structure for the ensemble's explorations. His contributions are particularly evident in tracks like "Bedouin Trail" and "Free For All”, the latter a Chris Potter composition that showcases the composer's technical facility. Billy Kilson's interaction with his bandmates is especially exciting, his drumming responsive and playful. The underpinned groove from Kilson complements the bop-heavy melody of “High Wire”, wheras the buoyant marimba opening of “Juggles Parade” benefits from a guided dialogue. Dave Holland’s playing provides a rock-solid foundation for the quintet to adventure from. Far from playing it safe, he navigates through unorthodox time signatures with ease whilst still adding his own lyrical voice, further enhancing the music.

“Metamorphos” opens via a technical and evolving bass solo that filters into an idiosyncratic time signature. The music ebbs and flows before introducing the frantic melody, jumping between a swinging blues phrase that sharply jumps back to a funk-induced straight eight's statement. Some exceptional and visceral playing from Eubanks encourages a powerful response from the drums, aching to a Coltrane and Elvin Jones collaboration, before a later Chris Potter solo settles into a bluesy section. The saxophonist’s solo moves through a concoction of triplets and harmonic devices, utilising the full tonal range of his horn. All the while, the brewing rhythm section answers his mix of modern blues vocabulary. This final track pays a fitting tribute to Extended Play. 

Throughout this elongated two-hour album, brilliant virtuosic moments flare to create a masterclass of creativity. The group's spontaneous energy allows anyone listening to be fully engaged in its raw, yet intuitive, elements validating the clamour for this live album to be created. Garnering praise and accolades, Extended Play sits as one of Dave Holland’s most creative recordings and boundary pushing albums in contemporary jazz.