Monterey Quartet - Live @ '07 Monterey Jazz Fest

Chris Potter: tenor saxophone; Gonzalo Rubalcaba: piano; Dave Holland: bass; Eric Harland: drums

Treachery / Minotaur / Otra Mirada / Step to It / Maiden / 50 / Veil of Tears / Spoken Introduction / Ask Me Why

While hardly a novel idea, and not always successful, the "Festival Supergroup" can have its bright moments. This release from Monterey Jazz Festival Records is a bright moment indeed. Über-bassist/composer/bandleader Dave Holland is placed with modern-day tenor titan Chris Potter, lesser-know pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and drummer Eric Harland. Right from the opening notes of this disc you can hear that this is not for the faint of heart. Four days of rehearsal sharpened this group for their two performances of this challenging and enjoyable music. This recording has a sense of enjoyment, intensity and virtuosity, with any ego checked at the door. Listen for Potter's sure-footed tone right from the top: his command of the instrument is second-to-none while pouring forth amazing musical ideas. Harland and Rubalcaba mesh as if they have been long-time bandmates. Many of the climactic moments on this recording are propelled by these two. And what of Dave Holland? Not much needs to be said, he is always in the right place at the right time providing the backbone for the rest of the group to launch from. This album will provide many satisfying repeat listenings, though don't expect anything remotely jazz-lite or background-ish.

Price: $14.98