Is Overtime a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, Overtime is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. A vibrant tapestry of intricate rhythms and melodic improvisation that captures the essence of contemporary jazz. Overtime marks Dave Holland's first album after joining the prestigious ECM label, which has been pivotal in shaping his sound. By this point in his career, Holland had established himself as a leading bassist and bandleader, building on the success of his previous works. This album showcases his evolution as a composer and musician, reflecting both maturity and innovation in his approach to jazz.

Overtime works well if you're into gradual build to emotional climax, intricate rhythms for attentive listeners and extended tracks for deep exploration.

How many songs are on Overtime?

Overtime has 7 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Overtime

Dave Holland · 2005

78 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of intricate rhythms and melodic improvisation that captures the essence of contemporary jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Monterey Suite: I. Bring It On Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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The Monterey Suite: II. Free for All — This track exemplifies the adventurous spirit of the album with its dynamic shifts and collective improvisation, showcasing Holland's ability to weave complex arrangements.
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Mental Images — With its atmospheric build-up and introspective melodies, this track highlights Holland's compositional depth and the nuanced interplay between the musicians.
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Last Minute Man — This piece stands out for its rhythmic complexity and engaging motifs, illustrating Holland's skill in blending energetic grooves with thoughtful exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate compositions and strong ensemble interplay, making it a solid entry in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

The album consists of seven tracks, with the first four forming a cohesive suite that explores various themes and motifs.
Each track features complex rhythmic patterns and extended improvisation, allowing musicians to showcase their virtuosity.
The interplay between instruments is prominent, with frequent call-and-response sections that highlight the ensemble's tight cohesion.

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: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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

gradual build to emotional climax
intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
extended tracks for deep exploration
vibrant interplay energizes late nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tunes
seek standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Received critical acclaim and showcases ambitious compositions, marking a high point in his career.
Themes: contemporary jazz evolution· intricate rhythmic landscapes· adventurous improvisation
Career context: Overtime marks Dave Holland's first album after joining the prestigious ECM label, which has been pivotal in shaping his sound. By this point in his career, Holland had established himself as a leading bassist and bandleader, building on the success of his previous works. This album showcases his evolution as a composer and musician, reflecting both maturity and innovation in his approach to jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci