Dave Holland's 'Pass It On'

Dave Holland’s Pass It On introduces a new regiment to the powerhouse bassist’s army of ensembles. The lineup is reminiscent of the early 1960s Jazz Messengers, comprised of trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, bass and drums. The palette afforded by the three horns in a sextet setting includes biting background figures, pointillist contrapuntal passages, as well simultaneous solos that are ubiquitous in Holland’s repertoire.

A New Project

Holland has performed with each of the group members in various projects, but this particular ensemble came together briefly at a 2006 showcase presentation at New York’s Birdland. Many of the compositions have been recorded on previous albums, although Holland’s “Pass It On” and “Fast Track,” and Robin Eubanks’ “The Sum of All Parts” are new. The group handles various grooves, from the Latin tinged “Modern Times” to the R&B inflected title track, in addition to some vibrant swing.

Individual Talents Shine Through

Despite relying on multi meter grooves and aggressive counterpoint, techniques Holland’s grasp of which gives his music such a unique sound, Pass It On lacks the sizzle that his quintet’s recordings reliably achieve. On those albums, it often sounds as though trombonist Eubanks, saxophonist Chris Potter, and either Billy Kilson or Nate Smith on drums share a brain. In the sextet, each member has a distinct approach, an aspect that doesn’t necessarily lend itself to seemingly telepathic collective improvisation.

On the other hand, the musicians’ individuality happens to be colored by a refreshingly soulful element. This is especially true of pianist Mulgrew Miller and alto saxophonist Antonio Hart. For one thing, the addition of piano and alto sax gives Holland’s ensemble extra padding and range. Also, Miller and Hart’s improvisations mark the high points of the album.

High Points

On “Fast Track,” Miller’s solo brings to mind the force of McCoy Tyner, and cooks through the alternating bossa and swing sections. Hart’s solo on “Lazy Snake” begins with a series of cries, soon giving way to incendiary, jagged melodic lines that step in and out of the harmony. Throughout the disc, Hart’s performance is varied and adept, at times recalling Charlie Parker, and at others exploring the far reaches of “outside” modern jazz. Robin Eubanks is in prime form, with his almost conversational solos. Trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, a member of Holland’s big band along with Eubanks and Hart, adds a rich timbre to the ensemble, and contributes thoughtful solos.

Solid, Not Special

With Pass It On, Dave Holland delivers a solid document that his fans should be sure to pick up. The musicians do an excellent job all around, but for listeners who are hoping to hear Holland taking his compositional skills to a new level, this disc may not be the best choice.

Release Date:

September 23, 2008 on Emarcy/Dare2 Records

Personnel:

• Dave Holland – Bass
• Eric Harland – Drums
• Antonio Hart – Alto Saxophone
• Robin Eubanks – Trombone
• Mulgrew Miller – Piano
• Alex Sipiagin - Trumpet

Track List:

1. The Sum of All Parts
2. Fast Track
3. Lazy Snake
4. Double Vision
5. Equality
6. Modern Times
7. Rivers Run
8. Processional
9. Pass It On

More Albums by Dave Holland