Not for Nothin'

Dave Holland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 21, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B00005ND34
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,510 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what can't they do?, September 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Not for Nothin' (Audio CD)

Dave Holland and company have done it again. This disc is quite similar to Prime Directive (as one might expect), with 5 compositions by Holland, and each member of his group contributing a composition of his own. As usual, the group sails through just about any style or time signature, thanks in no small part to one of the jazz worlds finest rhythm sections. There's also plenty of interplay between Chris Potter and Robin Eubanks, as there was on Prime Directive, and Potter's playing on this session is some of his best ever recorded (his composition is fantastic as well). Dave Himself delivers some great rhythmic support as well as some fine soloing (except for one nasty out of tune note at the beginning of track 2 - oops), and drummer Billy Kilson is definately taking his vitimans. Steve's mallet playing seems more focused here than on P.D. and he adds some rotovibe effect on some tunes, which is a nice addition. Holland's latest group has been one of the most intriguing and innovative in the jazz world during the past 4 years, and this CD keeps up the group's impressive legacy. Get this disc and go see them live if you can - quite an experience.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So good it surprises me every time, November 4, 2001

By 

G B (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Not for Nothin' (Audio CD)

There's a lot of things I like hearing in jazz -- improvisation that takes chances or goes a little "out", memorable compositions and melodies, a great sense of groove, ballads ("Shifting Sands"), fast swingers ("Cosmosis"), complex interplay between great musicians, unpredictability, high energy, a mix of the earthy and the cerebral -- the list goes on and on. The great thing about Not for Nothin' (and its equally great predecessor, Prime Directive) is that in under 75 minutes, it covers all these bases. This is a group that's not afraid to venture into semi-free territory and then mix it with some of the catchiest, most upbeat tunes since Weather Report; that can toss in funk, Afro-Latin and rock rhythms while swinging all the way and never sounding stiff. Billy Kilson will be the first guy you'll notice, as his drumming is really outstanding. Robin Eubanks (trombone) and Chris Potter (saxophones) make a great frontline, whether they are soloing individually or engaged in a boisterous dialogue. Steve Nelson, on marimba and vibes, is a sort of antithesis to the other guys, always calming down the music. And of course, Dave Holland provides the backbone as well as 5 of the killer compositions on this album. Eubanks's grooving "Global Citizen" is a personal favorite, as is Holland's slightly sinister "What Goes Around" and Nelson's dreamy "Go Fly a Kite". The music never ceases to surprise me. An addictive album by one of the best groups around today.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dave Holland Quintet Continues its Stellar Trajectory!, October 2, 2001

By 

"zimri-lim" (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Not for Nothin' (Audio CD)

Another superb, quality release from, arguably, the strongest ensemble working in Jazz today. Taking off from where the quintet's previous disc "Prime Directive" led, this release oozes class from the sax/trombone/vibes foreground to the bass/percussion rhythm section. The sound is full and satisfying with all five musicians working hard but cooperatively throughout. Individually the members of the quintet are outstanding musicians but most importantly they manage to retain their musical character while playing brilliantly off each other too.

The music is at time driving and at times relective and lush but always outstandingly musical. Hidden depths are revealed through repeated listening and the themes and hooks will reel in the unsuspecting listener after a few auditions.

In my opinion this is the most creative and accomplished unit in Jazz today - looking forward to find new ways to express their musical ideas but always retaining a sympathetic musical appeal which makes the music accessible.

Dave Holland pulls out another masterpiece and earns a unhesitating "Buy" recommendation from this reviewer!