Dave Holland – Bass

Another from the 1980s Holland Quintet catalogue, this is the beautiful ballad ‘First Snow’ from the 1984 Quintet album, ‘First Snow’. Great writing and I love the way these three horns blend in the ensemble sections. Holland’s parts are harmonically fairly unremarkable but, rhythmically, he keeps you guessing all of the time. It’s in 3:4 time but Holland breaks the three notes up in constantly changing ways. Lots to learn here. Reading wise, it’s actually quite demanding. I can read most of it but there are some sections that are just incredible.