The tunes selected from the recording, five by Scofield and four by Holland are drawn from their respective band books, and are played with a refreshing lightness, ease and natural swing that is intoxicating.
ECM 2860 / 784 9960
John Scofield (guitar); Dave Holland (double bass)
Recorded August 2024
This is a fascinating recording that features two musicians whose paths have crossed frequently over the years, and in many different contexts. Having played together with bands led by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and the marvellously titled ScoLoHoFo with Joe Lovano and Al Foster. The two musicians are of course also well known for their association with Miles Davis, albeit at different periods of the trumpeter’s career.
In addition to their collaborative work, they have their own distinctive solo careers, and both are well documented on ECM, but this is the first duo record that they have made in a collaboration that has an air of inevitability.
Having two tours under their belts in late 2021 and 2024 this recording captures the duo in fine form and sounding as if they were treating the session as they would a live gig. The music sounds fresh and Scofield and Holland sound as if they are enjoying themselves throughout.
The tunes selected from the recording, five by Scofield and four by Holland are drawn from their respective band books, and are played with a refreshing lightness, ease and natural swing that is intoxicating.
Scofield’s punchy ‘Mine Are Blues’ creates quiet a momentum with a flowing solo from the guitarist and some solid accompaniment from Holland. The bassist also gets in a superb solo before the two trade fours in jovial fashion before taking out with a unison on the theme. Proving he is no slouch in delivering up a good swinging number, Holland pays tribute to his bass hero, Ray Brown on ‘Mr B’ and lays down a propulsive bassline in support of Sco’s solo on ‘You I Love’.
The music is varied nicely with the lovely open and floating melody of ‘Meant to Be’ and the wistful ‘Memorette that features a lovely solo from Holland, both composed by the guitarist ensure that interest is maintained throughout. Acknowledging the contribution of Scofield’s wonderful composition that delivered up the opportunity for Holland’s exquisite solo, the bassist repays the favour in providing some solid riffs and accompaniment on his own ‘Not for Nothin’ and setting up Sco nicely for his own exhilarating solo.
The two friends close proceeding with the delightfully lyrical title track penned by Dave Holland that evokes nostalgia without over sentimentality. A fitting way to bring this first recording from the duo to a conclusion.
