''Critical Mass'' is a 2006 studio album release by the Dave Holland Quintet, the first one to feature drummer Nate Smith. Chris Potter,

Robin Eubanks Robin Eubanks (born October 25, 1955) is an American jazz and jazz fusion slide trombonist, the brother of guitarist Kevin Eubanks and trumpeter Duane Eubanks. His uncles are jazz pianist Ray Bryant and bassist Tommy Bryant. His mother, Vera Eub ...

and Steve Nelson all return from previous projects. This is the first Holland album not to be released on the ECM label, through which he had released all of his albums since '' Conference of the Birds'' in 1972.

Reception

Steve Greenlee of ''

JazzTimes ''JazzTimes'' is an American magazine devoted to jazz. Published 10 times a year, it was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1970 by Ira Sabin as the newsletter ''Radio Free Jazz'' to complement his record store. Coverage After a decade of growth ...

'' stated "It’s been five years since Dave Holland’s quintet released an album of new material. The bassist hasn’t exactly been relaxing in the meantime; he put out two albums of big-band music and toured extensively, and released a stellar double-live CD by his quintet. And all the while, the least grateful among us have been hankering for some new music from Holland’s quintet. Well, here it is, and it holds its own against

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, the group’s most impressive release... The groupthink mentality manifests itself most obviously on the New Orleans tribute “Easy Did It,” for which Holland and Smith create a slithering, swelling rhythm that culminates in a five-way roundtable of near-chaos. ''Critical Mass'' will be on everyone’s list of 2006’s best." John Kelman of ''

All About Jazz ''All About Jazz'' is a website established by Michael Ricci in 1995. A volunteer staff publishes news, album reviews, articles, videos, and listings of concerts and other events having to do with jazz. Ricci maintains a related site, ''Jazz Near ...

'' wrote, "Proof that it's possible to retain one's identity while breaking new ground, ''Critical Mass'' continues a streak of winning records for Holland that shows no sign of letting up."

John Fordham John Fordham (died 1425) was Bishop of Durham and Bishop of Ely. Fordham was keeper of the privy seal of Prince Richard from 1376 to 1377 and Dean of Wells before being named Lord Privy Seal in June 1377. He held that office until December 1381. ...

of ''

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'' added, " It's unflinching contemporary instrumental jazz, but as subtly melodic as Holland's bands always are."

Track listing

# "The Eyes Have It" (Dave Holland) - 7:00 # "Easy Did It" (Dave Holland) - 11:16 # "Vicissitudes" (Chris Potter) - 9:56 # "The Leak" (Nate Smith) - 5:42 # "Secret Garden" (Dave Holland) - 8:42 # "Lucky Seven" (Dave Holland) - 8:35 # "Full Circle" (Robin Eubanks) - 12:11 # "Amator Silenti" (Steve Nelson) - 9:17

Personnel

* Chris Potter - tenor & soprano saxophones *

- trombone * Steve Nelson - vibraphone, marimba & tambourine *

Dave Holland David “Dave” Holland (born 1 October 1946) is an English jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader who has been performing and recording for five decades. He has lived in the United States for over 40 years. His extensive discography r ...

- double bass * Nate Smith - drums

References

External links

* {{Authority control Dave Holland albums 2006 albums Sunnyside Records albums