Customer Reviews

Dream of the Elders

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"Dream of the Elders" is an enjoyable experience, especially for those who appreciate the vibes. Most performances fall slightly left of the mainstream. The overall feeling is relaxed and dark. I would describe the disc as sounding like the typical fare played on jazz radio stations. The music is serious and the integrity is unquestionably high. On the other hand, there are no highlights. There may be some contenders, but nothing stands out. There is a predictability and blandness to this effort. With so much amazing Dave Holland out there, consider "Dream of the Elders" after acquiring essentials like "Extended Play: Live at Birdland" and "Extensions."

I had the good fortune to hear THIS configuration of Dave's band. It was great. Eric Person a masterful saxophonist nearly taking over the band at times with his great presence. Gene Jackson and his poli-rhythmic fire and Eric's interplay made the music really rise. This is a good CD. But it does not catch that band's collective fire.But shows the grace and lyrical genuis of its members.

Bassist Dave Holland leads a quartet comprising himself plus Steve Nelson on vibes and marimba, Eric Person on alto and soprano sax, and Gene Jackson on drums. All the compositions are by Holland, and vocalist Cassandra Wilson joins in to sing the lyrics of poet Maya Angelou on one cut. Holland is a consummate musician, and the rhythmic suppleness of his compositions seem well suited to this particular lineup of musicians, who play together very cohesively. Holland seems never to pen a note for mere effect; rather, it all seems to just f-l-o-w. Nice stuff.