You may have to wait a while between
Dave Holland-led releases, but it's always worth it. Tremendous taste prevents
Holland from making unsatisfying music. He is a great leader in the truest senses of the word -- he gives his team space, trusts their abilities and judgment, yet all the while remains firmly in command and infuses the results with his own style and personality.
Prime Directive is a wonderful jazz album. These 77 minutes and nine tracks do not cheat or disappoint. The straight-ahead tunes -- composed by double-bassist
Holland and his talented band mates (one each) -- all bear
Holland's distinctive rhythmic patterns and harmonics. A fine example is the title track, on which
Robin Eubanks on trombone and
Chris Potter on saxophones hold a stimulating musical conversation over the rhythm section's driving groove. For listeners who prefer a more deliberate pace, there's the searching, contemplative "Make Believe," with
Steve Nelson's lovely vibraphone work appointing the mood. On the hopeful, "A Seeking Spirit," fans will be tapping along to the rhythmic feast offered up by the leader and his pace-setting partner
Billy Kilson on drums. The melancholy "Candlelight Vigil" presents
Holland at his bowed best. Finally, "Wonders Never Cease" finds the entire band at the height of their collective, improvisational prowess.
Prime Directive is recommended; a great leader is, indeed, hard to find. ~ Brian Bartolini