Grammy winner performs at WSU
The Connoisseur Series will showcase Grammy Award-winning bassist Dave Holland and his quintet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, in Miller Concert Hall.
The Dave Holland Quintet, formed in 1997, won the Grammy in 2000 for best jazz instrumental performance by a group for the album "Like Minds" by Gary Burton. The group also was nominated for a Grammy in 1999 for "Points of View." The album came in second for best album in the Bell Atlantic Jazz Awards 1999. Holland was voted best bass player in the BAJA 1999, and number one acoustic bass player of the year in Down Beat Critics’ Poll 1999.
Holland grew up a self-taught guitar and bass guitar player in Wolverhampton, England. By age 13 he and some friends formed a band and began playing local clubs and dances, performing the popular music of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.
At age 17 he got a short tour with a band accompanying Johnny Ray, and then came a job offer in London playing music in a restaurant. He began studying with James Merritt, who was the principal bassist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and teacher at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Holland got a full three-year scholarship to Guildhall where he learned many styles of jazz, as well as the works of many contemporary classical composers.
When the late jazz trumpeter Miles Davis visited a club Holland frequently played, he asked Holland to join his band in New York. Holland toured and made several recordings with Davis.
Since then Holland has created bands, joined other bands and worked solo. He has taught music at studios, workshops and as a faculty member of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
He’s toured the United States and Europe performing and recording both as part of a group, including Herbie Hancock’s trio, and later his quartet, and also as a solo artist. Holland’s quintet, featuring saxophonist Chris Potter, trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibist Steven Nelson and drummer Billy Kilson, continues to make recordings and tour the United States and Europe.
Call 978-3233 to reserve tickets. Prices start at $16 with discounts available.
– Compiled by Julie Rausch
