Is Uncharted Territories a good place to start with Dave Holland?

Yes, Uncharted Territories is recommended as a starting point for new Dave Holland listeners. A complex interplay of jazz textures unfolds through inventive compositions and dynamic improvisation, showcasing a masterful ensemble performance. By the time he released Uncharted Territories in 2018, Dave Holland was already an established figure in jazz with a career spanning over four decades. This album came after his previous work, 2015's 'Code Red', and marked a continued exploration into collaborative improvisation with a focus on blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary approaches.

Who is Uncharted Territories for?

Uncharted Territories works well if you're into dynamic exploration of soundscapes, wave-like pacing for immersion and intricate rhythms inviting engagement.

How many songs are on Uncharted Territories?

Uncharted Territories has 23 tracks, running approximately 131 minutes.

Uncharted Territories

Dave Holland · 2018

131 min · 23 tracks · jazz

A complex interplay of jazz textures unfolds through inventive compositions and dynamic improvisation, showcasing a masterful ensemble performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thought on Earth Start here — This track opens the album with an expansive feel, combining intricate rhythms and harmonies that set the tone for the explorative nature of the record.
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QT12 — With its fluid interplay between instruments, QT12 exemplifies the seamless communication and spontaneity that defines the collaborative spirit of this album.
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Unsteady as She Goes — This composition stands out for its contemplative mood and nuanced dynamics, showcasing Holland's ability to create tension through subtle shifts in texture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album excels in inventive compositions and dynamic interplay, showcasing Holland's mastery in jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a series of short tracks, many under three minutes, creating a rapid succession of ideas and themes.
Each track often showcases different instrument combinations, such as tenor saxophone with percussion or piano with bass, highlighting the ensemble's versatility.
Improvisation is a key element, with musicians frequently exchanging lead lines and responding to each other's cues in real-time.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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

dynamic exploration of soundscapes
wave-like pacing for immersion
intricate rhythms inviting engagement
vibrant textures for attentive listening
for extended sessions

Maybe skip if you

dislike improvisational structures
prefer concise song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases innovative structure and musicianship, marking an artistic high point.
Themes: collaborative improvisation· expansive soundscapes· intricate rhythms
Career context: By the time he released Uncharted Territories in 2018, Dave Holland was already an established figure in jazz with a career spanning over four decades. This album came after his previous work, 2015's 'Code Red', and marked a continued exploration into collaborative improvisation with a focus on blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary approaches.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· John Patitucci