Dave Holland - Prime Directive (ECM, 1998)

Dave Holland, bass
Chris Potter, tenor, soprano & alto saxes
Robin Eubanks, trombone
Steve Nelson, vibes & marimba
Billy Kilson, drums

Recorded December 10-12, 1998

Avatar Studios, NYC

Engineer: James Farber

The Dave Holland Quintet (DHQ) recorded 8 albums between 1984 and 2006. Prime Directive sits chronologically between two others of my favorite DHQ albums: Points of View (ECM, 1998) and Not for Nothin' (ECM, 2003). In my opinion, all of the DHQ albums from this period stand out among Holland's many contributions to jazz since the late 1960s. He is one of the most prolific artists in the long history of jazz. Turning 80 years old in 2026, Holland's recording credits number more than 650. 

For me, the quintet is Holland's most intriguing format. The absence of piano opens the playing space for Holland and vibist Steve Nelson in particular. I don't often realize how much musical range a piano can dominate, including the bass's lower register. With no instrument designed to play chords, the quintet's harmonies are formed across different instruments, creating novel textures and colors. The harmonies are not necessarily delicate. This is not polite ECM chamber music; it’s visceral, raucous at times, but intensely musical all of the time.

Of the soloists, saxophonist Chris Potter is the most adventurous. But balance is maintained by Holland's steady pulse, Nelson's lyricism, and Robin Eubanks' connective middle voice. On most numbers, Holland's compositions guide the group's loosely shifting collective conversation. The DHQ is among the most recognizable quintets in all of jazz, and that's no small feat.

The common denominator throughout Prime Directive's program is Holland's emphatic bass lines. Known for his odd meters and "bouncy" approach to composing and playing, Holland is the group's own prime directive. He is also a gifted soloist but chooses not to show off his technique at the expense of the group.

The earliest DHQ albums were recorded by Martin Weiland at Tonstudio Bauer in Germany. From 1988 onward, the DHQ's albums were recorded in the United States at Avatar Studios, with engineer James Farber at the console. The American recordings are more satisfying to my ears than the German ones.

Extended Play (ECM, 2003) is a 2-CD live album recorded at Birdland by Farber. "Extended" is the operative word describing the length of the live cuts. Five of the 9 tracks exceed 15 minutes, and only one is less than 10 minutes. It's worthwhile to experience the DHQ playing live, but perhaps not in one 2-hour-and-15-minute sitting.

Prime Directive captures the DHQ at its peak, confidently performing the group's repertoire. Farber's studio sound captures everyone's contribution to the group sound in great detail. None of the DHQ's albums are disappointing, but Prime Directive is the most joyous.