Is The Art of Conversation a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, The Art of Conversation is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. A sophisticated interplay of intricate melodies and rhythmic innovation that showcases the depth of modern jazz. Released in 2014, The Art of Conversation marks Dave Holland's first album since his return to the ECM label after a period with other labels. At this stage in his career, Holland was celebrated as a veteran bassist and composer, continuing to shape contemporary jazz through collaborative projects and inventive arrangements.

Who is The Art of Conversation for?

The Art of Conversation works well if you're into steady mid-tempo rhythmic flow, intricate melodies for attentive listening and for reflective afternoons.

How many songs are on The Art of Conversation?

The Art of Conversation has 10 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

The Art of Conversation

Dave Holland · 2014

64 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated interplay of intricate melodies and rhythmic innovation that showcases the depth of modern jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Oracle Start here — This opening track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration through a captivating dialogue between instruments, setting the tone for the entire project.
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Waltz for Wheeler — A tribute piece that balances lyrical beauty with complex rhythms, showcasing Holland’s ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
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In Walked Bud — This interpretation pays homage to Thelonious Monk with an innovative twist, demonstrating Holland’s deep roots in jazz history while injecting fresh energy.
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Seascape — The track stands out with its atmospheric qualities and rich textures, highlighting the ensemble’s chemistry and Holland's compositional prowess.

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 interplay and improvisation highlight Holland's compositional strength, though it remains within established jazz frameworks.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between instruments, particularly between the bass and piano.
Several pieces incorporate extended improvisational sections that allow for spontaneous interaction among the musicians.

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 mid-tempo rhythmic flow
intricate melodies for attentive listening
for reflective afternoons
conversational interplay between instruments

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Holland's depth in modern jazz, reinforcing his established reputation.
Themes: conversational interplay· tribute to Monk· atmospheric soundscapes
Career context: Released in 2014, The Art of Conversation marks Dave Holland's first album since his return to the ECM label after a period with other labels. At this stage in his career, Holland was celebrated as a veteran bassist and composer, continuing to shape contemporary jazz through collaborative projects and inventive arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci