Is Seeds of Time a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, Seeds of Time is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. A vibrant blend of intricate rhythms and melodic improvisation that showcases the depth of jazz innovation in the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, Seeds of Time was Dave Holland's fourth studio album as a bandleader, following his critically acclaimed record, Jumpin' In. At this point in his career, Holland was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, having previously collaborated with legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. The album further solidified his reputation for blending complex compositions with dynamic group interplay.

Who is Seeds of Time for?

Seeds of Time works well if you're into steady pacing with intricate rhythms, gradual build towards resolution and immersive listening for focused moments.

How many songs are on Seeds of Time?

Seeds of Time has 9 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Seeds of Time

Dave Holland · 1985

52 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate rhythms and melodic improvisation that showcases the depth of jazz innovation in the mid-1980s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Uhren Start here — The opening track sets a contemplative tone with its intricate bass lines and ambient textures that establish the album's exploratory spirit.
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Celebration — This track features lively interaction among musicians, highlighting Holland's ability to weave rhythmic complexity with joyous melodies.
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Gridlock (Opus 8) — The ambitious length and structure of this piece showcase Holland's compositional prowess and the ensemble's cohesive improvisational skills.
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World Protection Blues — With its blues-inflected motifs and engaging narrative quality, this track exemplifies Holland's unique fusion of traditional forms with modern jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate rhythms and improvisational style reflect mid-80s jazz innovation, making it a notable entry in Holland's discography.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections where the musicians engage in call-and-response patterns, highlighting their individual virtuosity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
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

steady pacing with intricate rhythms
gradual build towards resolution
immersive listening for focused moments
rich harmonies for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Holland's reputation with a unique sound in mid-1980s jazz.
Themes: mid-1980s jazz innovation· intricate rhythms· exploratory spirit
Career context: Released in 1985, Seeds of Time was Dave Holland's fourth studio album as a bandleader, following his critically acclaimed record, Jumpin' In. At this point in his career, Holland was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, having previously collaborated with legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. The album further solidified his reputation for blending complex compositions with dynamic group interplay.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci