Featured Artist: Dave Holland Octet

CD Title: Pathways

Year: 2010

Record Label: Dare 2 Records

Style: Contemporary Jazz

Musicians: Antonio Hart (alto saxophone, flute), Chris Potter (tenor saxophone and soprano saxophone), Gary Smulyan (baritone sxophone), Alex Sasha Sipiagin (trumpet, flugelhorn), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Steve Nelson (vibraphone, marimba), Dave Holland (bass), and Nate Smith (drums).

Review:

Pathways features the Dave Holland Octet, and it in an interesting, creative collecion of songs. Holland has composed most of the music. As a group, they have a nice flow about them, and a solid tonal quality that reflects their love of jazz music, which is readily shared with the jazz listening audience.

There are seven songs in this CD collection. The songs were recorded live at Birdland in 2009 with the CD released to the public during 2010.

Songs include "Pathways," "How's Never?," "Sea of Mamara," "Ebb and Flow," "Blue Jean," "Wind Dance," and "Shadow Dance." All songs are composed by Dave Hollard except "Sea of Mamara" by Chris Potter and "Wind Dance" by Alex Sasha Sipiagin.

This group has a good feel about it, and it certainly has a great sense of class and verve in its jazz performances. As an octet, this group is fresh, interesting, and good.

If you are looking for some good contemporary jazz, something new and enjoyable, the Dave Holland Octet's Pathways is worth your listening time, and sure to be a hit with your friends. Alex Sasha Sipiagin is tops with his trumpet and flugelhorn, and each and every other musician is first rate, too, in their performances. Group harmony is good, and the solo work is good.

This collection of original material will grow on you in a pleasant manner, and you will find something new in its flavorings and stylings each time you come back to listen! Well-crafted, this is one you don't want to miss!

Artist's Website: http://www.daveholland.com

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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