Is Extended Play: Live at Birdland a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, Extended Play: Live at Birdland is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jazz where intricate rhythms intertwine with expansive melodies in a dynamic live setting. At the time of releasing Extended Play: Live at Birdland in 1998, Dave Holland was already an established figure in jazz, having previously released acclaimed albums like 'Points of View' and 'The Razor's Edge.' This album followed his successful tours and marked a continuation of his exploration into ensemble work, showcasing his unique approach to jazz ensemble dynamics.

Who is Extended Play: Live at Birdland for?

Extended Play: Live at Birdland works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts, immersive two-half listening experience and intricate rhythms for attentive listeners.

How many songs are on Extended Play: Live at Birdland?

Extended Play: Live at Birdland has 9 tracks, running approximately 134 minutes.

Extended Play: Live at Birdland

Dave Holland

134 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of improvisational jazz where intricate rhythms intertwine with expansive melodies in a dynamic live setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Balance Start here — This opening track exemplifies Holland's ability to blend complex time signatures with fluid improvisation, setting an ambitious tone for the album.
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Free for All — Offering an energetic burst of collective improvisation, this piece highlights the synergy between the musicians and showcases Holland’s leadership in a live context.
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Claressence — With its contemplative themes and intricate harmonies, this track reflects the depth of emotion that Holland can evoke through his compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate improvisation and thematic exploration highlight Holland's compositional strength in a live setting.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections where musicians frequently shift roles, creating a fluid dynamic throughout each track.
Each piece is structured around a central theme that is explored and expanded upon, often leading to unexpected rhythmic changes.
The interplay between the bass and other instruments showcases intricate counterpoint, with solos that build on motifs introduced earlier in the performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
immersive two-half listening experience
intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
exploratory themes and improvisational flair

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, immediate gratification
dislike lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album reinforced Holland's reputation as a leading figure in jazz.
Themes: live jazz improvisation· Birdland energy· collective musical synergy
Career context: At the time of releasing Extended Play: Live at Birdland in 1998, Dave Holland was already an established figure in jazz, having previously released acclaimed albums like 'Points of View' and 'The Razor's Edge.' This album followed his successful tours and marked a continuation of his exploration into ensemble work, showcasing his unique approach to jazz ensemble dynamics.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci