With five A-list horn players – Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones, Antonio Hart on alto sax and flute, Gary Smulyan on baritone sax, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet and flügelhorn, and Robin Eubanks on trombone – on board, and anchoring supplied by Dave Holland’s bass, Nate Smith’s drums, and Steve Nelson’s marimba and vibes, there’s a lot of swing residing within these grooves. There is also empathy to spare. Pathways, recorded live at New York’s Birdland and the first release by the Holland Octet, is tightly woven, devoid of bloat, and constantly in motion. Holland, in his multi-decade career, has worked within every conceivable format, and he smartly positions the octet precisely where it should be by definition, midway between the standard small-group configuration and the all-bases-covered grandness of a big band. The arrangements often seem larger than life while simultaneously feeling succinct, and every solo – not the least of which are Holland’s own masterful excursions – is carefully considered and masterfully executed. The album’s seven tracks are all written by bandmembers – five by Holland, one each by Sipiagin and Potter – and two of Holland’s, “Shadow Dance” and “How’s Never?” (both of which he’s recorded before), are the longest of the show, allowing for multiple shifts in mood, tempo, and color. Holland uses those pieces, in particular, as launching pads for dynamic solo exhibits and inspired duets, but in the end it’s not the dexterity of the individuals that impresses most, but rather the groupthink of the ensemble.
Miles surrounded himself in those years with young talent, only some could stand on their own after. I see the same thing with who Marcus Miller accompanies, extremely talented people who just not have “it” to make it on their own (i.e. Alex Han). However…this record, I like
I don’t think, IMH, that Ron Carter could do something really original on his own for instance. Despite being a great bass player.
Joe Zawinul on his own, not really something important.
Alex Acuna on his own?
David Sandborn? Commercially, yes.
John Mclaughlin, Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett, Dave Holland, David Liebman, H Hancock: definitely yes.
Speaking of Herbie, anyone know if the so called Fusion album with Washington is still happening? Don’t know if that is something to get excited about, but still…
Nice to see some mention of Abdullah Ibrahim here. He released a new recording - The Balance - on Gearbox in 2019 - excellent music and SQ on the vinyl.
