Is Points of View a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, Points of View is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. An intricate tapestry of modern jazz that melds complex rhythms with rich melodic structures and vibrant improvisation. Released in 1998, Points of View marked Dave Holland's continued evolution as a bandleader following his acclaimed album Prime Directive in 1999. At this point, Holland was well-established in the jazz world, having gained recognition for his innovative approach to composition and ensemble playing. This album showcased his ability to blend diverse influences while maintaining a distinct voice.

Who is Points of View for?

Points of View works well if you're into steady exploration of themes, intricate rhythmic detail hunting and thoughtful afternoon listening.

How many songs are on Points of View?

Points of View has 8 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Points of View

Dave Holland · 1998

72 min · 8 tracks · jazz

An intricate tapestry of modern jazz that melds complex rhythms with rich melodic structures and vibrant improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Balance Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic interplay and intricate rhythms, showcasing Holland's distinctive compositional style.
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Bedouin Trail — With its haunting melody and rich harmonic textures, this track highlights the band's collective improvisational skills and emotional depth.
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Metamorphos — This piece exemplifies Holland's ability to fuse traditional jazz elements with contemporary sounds, offering a captivating listening experience through its evolving motifs.

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 excels in composition and craft with complex rhythms and vibrant improvisation.

What we noticed

Each piece showcases extended improvisation sections where musicians interact in real-time, often leading to unexpected melodic developments.
The use of varied instrumentation, including bass, drums, and horns, allows for rich textural contrasts across the tracks.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady exploration of themes
intricate rhythmic detail hunting
thoughtful afternoon listening
immersive two-part experience

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Holland's artistic development and showcases his bandleading skills.
Themes: rich harmonic textures· dynamic interplay· contemporary jazz evolution
Career context: Released in 1998, Points of View marked Dave Holland's continued evolution as a bandleader following his acclaimed album Prime Directive in 1999. At this point, Holland was well-established in the jazz world, having gained recognition for his innovative approach to composition and ensemble playing. This album showcased his ability to blend diverse influences while maintaining a distinct voice.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci