RECOMMENDED If bassist Dave Holland had done nothing else but create the bass riff that formed the basis for Miles Davis’ iconic “Bitches Brew,” he would be a legend for that alone, but he has done so much more.A classically trained bassist in his native England, Holland preferred jazz and was a fixture at London’s Ronnie Scott’s, where Davis heard him and recruited Holland to replace Ron Carter.The albums that Holland recorded with Davis, “Filles de Kilimanjaro,” “In a Silent Way” and “Bitches’ Brew” were all instrumental in shaping jazz-rock fusion, even though after Holland and Chick Corea left Davis to form Circle, the music was more avant-garde and Holland traded in his electric bass for his acoustic bass, and has never looked back.
Often considered the premier session bassist, Holland remains the bassist of choice for many artists, although the Dave Holland Quintet was formed in the late 1990s to chart Holland’s own musical directions which have always included some of the most innovative rhythmic soundscapes and grooves as the backdrop for pulsating and punctuating jazz counterpoint.The current lineup, which will join Holland in this rare area concert appearance, includes trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, Chicago-born saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Nate Smith.(Dennis Polkow)
January 25 at University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th, (773)702-8068. 7:30pm. $10-$30.
Dennis Polkow is an award-winning veteran journalist, critic, author, broadcaster and educator. He made his stage debut at age five, was a child art prodigy and began playing keyboards in clubs at the age of fourteen. He holds degrees in music theory, composition, religious studies and philosophy from DePaul University in Chicago. Polkow spent his early years performing and recording in rock and jazz bands while concertizing as a classical pianist, organist and harpsichordist and composing, arranging and producing for other artists. As a scholar, Polkow has published and lectured extensively and taught at several colleges and universities in various departments. As an actor, narrator and consultant, Polkow has been involved with numerous films, plays, broadcasts and documentaries. As a journalist, Polkow helped co-create the experiential Chicago Musicale and Spotlight, the award-winning tabloid arts and entertainment section of the Press Publications chain of newspapers, which he later edited. He also created and ran the nationally recognized journalism program at Oakton College and was faculty advisor to its award-winning student newspaper; many former students went on to major media careers, including Channel Awesome’s the Nostalgia Critic. Polkow’s research, interviews, features, reviews and commentaries have appeared across national and international media and he has corresponded from the Middle East, Asia and Africa for the Chicago Tribune. Contact: dpolkow25@aol.com
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