DAVE HOLLAND / SAM RIVERS – Dave Holland and Sam Rivers, Vol. 1 (LP-1976)

Label: Improvising Artists Inc. – IAI 373843

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album / Country: US / Released: 1976

Style: Avant-garde Jazz, Free Improvisation

Recorded at Big Apple Studio, New York City, February 18, 1976.

Artwork [Jacket], Photography By – Carol Goss

Composed By – Sam Rivers

Producer – Paul Bley

Recorded By, Mixed By – David Baker

A - Waterfall  ........................................................ 17:10

bass – Dave Holland / soprano saxophone – Sam Rivers

B - Cascade  .......................................................... 21:20

bass – Dave Holland / tenor saxophone – Sam Rivers

Intimate improvisational music played with absolute mastery by the incredible Sam Rivers (saxophonist/flutist/composer) and a great virtuoso of the double bass Dave Holland. A profound musical journey - but also just a dialogue between friends. Essential.

The first of two LPs that bring back a daylong duet session by Sam Rivers and bassist Dave Holland consists of two lengthy improvisations featuring Rivers on soprano and tenor; volume two features him playing flute and piano. Rivers' adventurous solos and interplay with the virtuosic Holland make this record of interest to listeners with open ears toward the avant-garde, despite the LP-length playing time.

Please be aware that this music will not immediately mandate foot tapping. Nor was it intended to, at least not during the first listen. It IS the combination of two legendary musicians providing wholly improvised, extended duo performances that never weaken with time. This music was recorded in 1976, and is still fresh. It does not fall into the traps of, I am sorry to say standard, so-called free form music, with its inability to focus. Rather, this musical set brings the listener to and through distinctly formed stream of consciousness improvisations with Sam Rivers playing and soprano then tenor saxes, underpinned by Dave Holland on bass. This, along with Volume two of this collaboration, should be a part of anyone's collection who appreciates interactive music which develops musical forms with structure and clarity; music that never fades.

If you find it, buy this album!