DeJohnette, Hancock, Holland,
Metheney
Live in Concert
Academy of Music, Philadelphia, PA
Arthaus DVD 100
184
Crotchet
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Shadow Dance
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Indigo Dreamscapes
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Nine over Reggae
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Solar
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Silver Hollow
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The Good Life
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Blue
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Hurricane
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The Bat
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Canteloupe Island
Jack DeJohnette - Drums
Herbie Hancock - Piano and Keyboards
Dave Holland - Bass
Pat Metheney - Guitars
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This was a gathering of musicians who were already acknowledged by both the
public and their peers as being at the top of their profession. All but Metheney
had been part of the influential Miles Davies groups. DeJohnette is an excellent
pianist, composer and arranger as well as being a star percussionist. Herbie
Hancock is probably the leading pianist of recent times; he is also an excellent
Big Band arranger and composer of some fine melodies, two of which Hurricane
and Cantaloupe Island are played here. Dave Holland got his experience on
the London jazz scene playing with Tubby Hayes and then Ronnie Scott before
'getting the call' to join Miles Davies in 1968. Pat Metheney has been one
of the most successful musicians on the world scene drawing his influences
from Rock, Pop and Country as well as jazz.
I must admit that after the first three numbers, I was wondering whether
I could listen to 99 minutes of this. Mostly I could not just work out what
was going on, until track 4, the Miles Davis classic Solar, when I could
here a recognisable chord sequence and understand what the group was doing.
After that I enjoyed all the music particularly the playing of Herbie Hancock
which is outstanding throughout. DeJohnette is also a very impressive performer
and it is easy to see why Miles imported Dave Holland, even though the States
has many fine Bass players. Pat Metheny is still a mystery to me, his
compositions to me lack melodic content and his solos have too many electric
gadgets for my taste. I am hoping that just as this band grew on me, I will
start to enjoy Metheney more with repeated hearing, with the respect and
reputation he enjoys, he has just got to be good!
The DVD media is well used and although this is a 1990 recording, I am sure
it will appeal to all followers of contemporary jazz.
Don Mather
CD Reviews
