Prism

Bassist Dave Holland famously arrived on the jazz scene as a sideman to Miles Davis when the trumpeter went electric, but other formative gigs with Sam Rivers and Circle were equally challenging in a more avant-garde jazz vein. Seemingly setting those interests aside, Holland spent much of the ‘90s and ‘00s writing technically demanding but emotionally connected acoustic jazz for his small groups and large band. Now with a new group called Prism—also featuring guitarist Kevin Eubanks, keyboardist Craig Taborn, and drummer Eric Harland—Holland goes back to his electric and eclectic roots. This isn’t surprising considering the personnel involved here, who all also contribute compositions for the band. But the snarl of Eubanks playing on tracks like his “The Watcher” and Holland’s bluesy “The Empty Chair (For Clare)”—paired with the always-adventurous playing and sometimes electric tones of Taborn, particularly on his “True Meaning of Determination”—may leave Holland’s newer fans a bit surprised. Those craving that acoustic sound, however, will find it on songs like “The Color of Iris” and “A New Day.”

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Bandleader Dave Holland is in louder, bluesier mode than usual with his new star-packed quartet, writes <strong>John Fordham</strong>