Search - Dave Holland :: Seeds of Time

Dave Holland is perpetually recognized as one of postbop's most agile bassists, able to sprint on his strings like a fleet guitarist. Seeds of Time catches Holland in some deliriously spry moments--on his own "Homecoming," trombonist Julian Priester's "Celebration," and alto saxophonist Steve Coleman's free-wheeling, rumbling "Gridlock (Opus 8)." Holland's band here ranks among his best, with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith joining Coleman, Priester, and Holland. The compositions are a mix of free-bop heads kicking off into tumbling solos, razor-sharp Coleman runs on alto, and passages of unbridled lyricism from Wheeler. "Smitty" Smith's drumming kicks things up considerably, whether on the midtempo roil of "Homecoming" or on fellow drummer and composer Doug Hammond's lovely "Perspicuity" and "World Protection Blues." Recorded in 1985, this was the second album of Holland's then-new quintet with Wheeler, Priester, and Coleman (their first was the equally excellent Jumpin' In), and Seeds of Time is overflowing with their discovery of each other's vast talents. A thrilling display, indeed. --Andrew Bartlett