Dave Holland’s Another Land

The breadth of Dave Holland’s 60-plus-year career is nothing short of extraordinary. Known to most for his appearances on some of Miles Davis’ finest works—including In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew—the British double bassist has played in scores of ensemble configurations while releasing some of the most essential works of avant-garde and post-bop jazz in the 20th and 21st centuries. His latest, Another Land, marks his first recorded work accompanied by both guitarist Kevin Eubanks and drummer Obed Calvaire, although the trio have been touring together since 2015. Their deep chemistry is evident throughout, producing varied arrangements of sublime harmonic texture and rhythmic splendor. The deeply groovy, snarling jam of “Grave Walker” opens Another Land by immediately spotlighting Eubanks, whose virtuosic playing serves as one of the record’s anchoring forces and high points. His playing is John McLaughlin-esque, jumping from chunky chord vamps to nimble single-string runs with ease on highlights like the swaying “Gentle Warrior” or cookin’ “Mashup.” Calvaire’s discerning drumming is an ever-present rhythmic counterweight, matching Eubanks blow for blow while allowing Holland’s loose and colorful bass work to build a modal sonic foundation on cuts like the moody blues of “20 20” and tender closer “Bring It Back Home.” A joy to behold, Another Land is one of the year’s best jazz releases, continuing Holland’s rich contributions to the fabric of the genre.

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If you like Another Land, check out:

• Roots by Ian Carr’s Nucleus

• A Tribute To Jack Johnson by Miles Davis

• COLOR OF NOIZE by Derrick Hodge

• What Kinda Music by Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes

• Notes With Attachments by Pino Palladino and Blake Mills