On September 5, 2024, Dave Holland's New Quartet graced Smoke Jazz & Supper Club with a performance that underscored the ensemble's dynamic synergy. The set opened with "Homecoming," a composition from Holland's 1985 album Seeds of Time, featuring a lively theme that alternated with solos exploring harmonic contrasts. Alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw's improvisation began in a somber harmonic space before ascending to intricate, high-register passages, while Holland's bass solo showcased his rich tonal palette. Pianist Kris Davis, known for her collaborative spirit, provided a supportive foundation, allowing the group's collective creativity to flourish. The performance concluded with "Interception," a piece from Holland's 1972 solo debut Conference of the Birds, characterized by a complex head reminiscent of Ornette Coleman. Drummer Nasheet Waits maintained the rhythmic framework, even during a four-minute unaccompanied segment, demonstrating the group's cohesive interplay. (allaboutjazz.com)
This engagement marked Holland's debut at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, introducing his New Quartet to the venue's intimate setting. The ensemble's lineup—Holland on bass, Shaw on alto saxophone, Davis on piano, and Waits on drums—was assembled to explore new musical territories, blending Holland's compositions with the individual voices of each member. The quartet's performance was part of a series of club debuts at Smoke in September 2024, including appearances by the Branford Marsalis Quartet and vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. (allaboutjazz.com)
The New Quartet's performance at Smoke was part of a broader tour that included a residency at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco in May 2024. Critics noted the quartet's "effortless interplay and collective mastery," highlighting their ability to create captivating, abstract, and enriching music that transcended mainstream jazz. (allaboutjazz.com)
