Customer Reviews

Not for Nothin'

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

The Ne Plus Ultra of of modern jazz, certainly one of the best jazz records of the past few years and easily the best from this version of the Dave Holland groups. Which is saying something because 'Points of View' and 'Prime Directive' were excellent recordings. The Quintet has hit it's stride partially through the addition of Chris Potter, who is already a strong individual voice and is a great musical fit with hornmate Robin Eubanks and seems a genetic match for Hollands brand of driving, rhythmic ensemble play. Billy Kilson will not be the ideal jazz drummer for everyone's taste, but he is the ideal partner for Holland; assured, uncomplicated, incredibly tight with the bassist. And as for the leader, probably the greatest testament to his musicianship is that he is the engine that drives this group yet his playing is so unobtrusive - a musician's musician.

For those familiar with this group, the sound and the quality of the pieces is the same. In fact, I'm hard-pressed to distinguish one track from another via title, but that is yet another tribute to this group. The tunes are pleasing, but they really exist to provide a framework for great ensemble playing and soloing. And while the veneer of sound may be polished enough for a few minutes on 'fuzack' radio, the fire, timbral and harmonic daring set the 'M' in Modern. Cool, funky, fiery, witty, great jazz music for the start of the 21st century.

Dave Holland continues his quest for excellence with this beautiful follow-up to last year's exceptional "Prime Directive." This is jazz at its' highest enjoyment level. This quintet is the tightest thing going today. This music is fresh, challenging and fun to listen to. It still amazes me how these musicians interact with each other without stepping all over their own toes. They swirl and dance around these well written compositions as if they were at a well coordinated synchronized dance recital. Holland and Kilson are a perfect pair- groove deep and at the same time explosive in their solo efforts. Eubanks and Potter are a perfect horn duo. They push each other to new levels on this recording, while mr. Nelson glues together these complex offering with some of the best vibes I have heard in the last ten years. In today's marketing of often over-hyped new artist, it is great to see a seasoned pro with a long-standing band get his proper due. Down Beat just recently showered Dave with multiple honors for this recording and band. I read recently that his next project is the Dave Holland Big Band. That will include the current quintet plus five other musicians. Now I can't wait to hear the magic that will be spun from that group. A September release is greatly anticipated. Dave Holland's music has been constantly evolving since his beautiful "Conference of The Birds" in the early 70's. "Not For Nothing" is a great record. Keep up the good work, Dave. Peace!

I think anyone who wouldn't give this CD a five star rating is frickin' crazy. I am, myself, a jazz musician and would like to think I know what I'm talking about. Not only is there passion and fire hear, but there is also superb communication between the musicians, original tunes that are actually original, and playing of such stature and brilliance that there are few equals out there in the world of jazz. Chris Potter is most likely one of the most brilliant and original saxophonists in the world, attacking each song with a fiery and youthful "go-for-it" feeling intermixed with a mature, old, and wise conservativism that makes him not waste a note, even when playing tons of notes. Robin Eubanks is just a burnin' and amazing trombonist and, believe me, there aren't too many of those around. Steve Nelson turns the vibes into the intelligent, sophisticated, and utterly musical instrument that it is, not some hokey instrument at some yuppie cocktail party. Dave Holland definitely doesn't need my hype, but I do think he bears few equals in terms of bass playing or band leading. Billy Kilson not only lays down the time in the various complex time signatures of the album's various songs, but manages to break down any of those signatures into a plethora of rhythmic and polyrhythmic accompaniment and drive. So where's the passion? Where's the fire? Try Chris Potter's alto solo on What Goes Around. Conservativism? Since when has playing in 7/8, 11/4, and a host of other complex time signatures and still tearing the roof off the sucker ever been conservative? Bottom line--this is probably the best working jazz group in jazz today due to its willingness to push the envelope and still remain accessible to the not-so-hip-to-the-modern-scene traditionalist. Its time to not forget about the greats like McCoy Tyner and John Coltrane and what not, but to move on from them and embrace the Dave Hollands and Chris Potters of the world. It's time not to stop appreciating All The Things You Are, Stella By Starlight and the like but to move on from them and embrace songs like What Goes Around and Global Citizen and make them the standards that everyone should know. Jazz should never be at a stand still and if jazz follows the directions offered here by the Dave Holland Quintet, I for one welcome it.

Someone wrote that this is easy listening. Well, if your easy listening involves playing in 13 and 11 and 9 and many other intriguing and sophisticated time signatures with incredible compositions and effortless ensemble interplay, then I'd like to come to see your 'easy listening' collection. Because it probably has Miles, Don Ellis and Trane in it as well....

Seriously, this is the real deal. An amazing recording by an amazing band.

I have only heard this album three times and I am astonished. You know what that means, this is a Dave Holland album, and I have a long way to go to reach my full enjoyment and understanding.
I can tell you that I am very familiar with Prime Directive and Extensions. I am a musician of sorts, (which only means that I think I can hear things others miss). I will say this the way I might speak to one of my musician friends. First off, the vibraphone plays a more substantial role, it's more complex. The drumming is much better than in Prime Directive, but it is the same drummer. The Quintet is the same, but the playing is not. The roles taken by everyone are broader, the album isn't just good because of the musicians being so talented. This is more than just some melodies that they take turns playing around. I guess what I am trying to say is that, every instrument plays more intelligently. Things happen on this album that really suprise and delight. You know, this album is better than I hoped it would be. There is no rehash here, no same old thing,(which with these guys would still be good)this is the best Jazz I have ever heard.

I'm not going to give you a blow by blow review. I'll let you do the listening. What I can say is this is one of the finest albums I've experienced in quite some time. Vibrantly interesting compositions freshly performed by this cohesive "working" ensemble. Repeated listenings reveal the depth and musical characteristics of a timeless jazz classic. Wonderfully recorded without any gimmickery by master engineer James Farber, "Not For Nothing" is a 74 minute jazz journey that you will not want to come home from!

This is a very exciting album. The writting on it is very intelligent. The polyphonic playing between Eubanks and Potter on Shifting Sands is great. All the tunes are well thought out and well executed. Eubanks' writting on Global Citizen is excellent. For All You Are is a great ballad. Billows of Rhythm is exciting and funky. The title track is also a good funky tune using rhythm very effectively. The whole album is a great example of how Holland and his quintet play with rhythm and beat cycles. The music is fresh and innovative.

The improvisation is very exciting as well. All the players are very well accomplished and build creative, well developed solos. Steve Nelson's vibraphone and mirimba work is incredible. He has a lot of speed and great ideas. Dave Holland's bass work is great. His open bass solo on Global Citizen is incredible. It's fun not just to hear Eubanks and Potter solo together, but to hear them improvise collectively. They do great work together on the title track. Their work on their own is mind blowing as well. Eubanks' multi-phonics in his soloing is amazing and Potter's solos are unbelievably creative. Billy Kilson's drumming is unbelivable as well. Anyone that can decifer the puzzling rhythms that he deals out has my hat off to them. The players are are all monsters and they make for a great listening experience.

The collective work on the album is great. Every player is complementing the soloist making them sound even better than they already are. The rhythm section helps build with the soloist. It makes for a very intellegent performance. In short this album is worth every penny. You will hear something new and exciting every time you listen to it. It's truly a treat. Any lover of contemporary jazz or supporter of musicians trying to do something outside the norm will enjoy this album entirely.