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Two dozen albums as a leader and collaborations with Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, NEA Jazz Master Dave Holland is among the most versatile and prolific bassist/composers in jazz history. He is joined by virtuoso Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke, himself a masterful bandleader and composer, for this intimate duo performance.

Nate Chinen, writing for "The Gig":
The festival’s third exemplary duo, by bassist Dave Holland and guitarist and vocalist Lionel Loueke. They were performing music from their recent album United, for only the second time in concert. And as I’ve said from the moment I first heard the album, this is a meeting of souls that can only be experienced live for the full absorbing effect. Holland has a warm, woodsy tone on bass that not only supports Loueke’s nurturing vocals and intricate fretboard filigree; the two musicians relax into their interplay to cast a charming spell. On “Stranger in a Mirror,” one of several custom-fitted Loueke compositions on the album, the agile rhythmic murmurations between him and Holland created the impression of a full rhythm section. Loueke’s percussive vocalizing, annotated with falsetto asides, remains a wonder; at times, struck by the placement of one of Holland’s phrases, he also chuckled happily, introducing a note of contentment that the audience shared.

There were a few other West African-rooted highlights in the Holland-Loueke set, along with a swingy funk tune titled “Hideland,” which capitalized on Holland’s rare talent for making a groove feel both anchored and airy. But one moment I can’t stop thinking about involves the outside composition that gave their album its title: “United,” which Wayne Shorter composed in the early 1960s. Loueke and Holland engaged with the song in a polyrhythmic 12/8 meter, turning it into a study in roving counterpoint — until an upshift into gliding 4/4 swing, when it became a canvas for Loueke’s brisk outpouring of fresh ideas.

“We really felt it appropriate to the time we’re living in,” Loueke said as he introduced “United,” tacitly acknowledging the cruel transgressions of a ruling order so flagrant in its injustice that millions across the country had taken to the streets. I flashed back to the 45 minutes or so I spent at the Civic Center Plaza on Saturday afternoon, and a chant that arose frequently from the crowd: The people united will never be defeated!

Loueke and Holland are both immigrants; not much more needs to be said about where they stand. But I think it’s worth saying that Loueke ended his intro on a hopeful note, framing musical convocation as a form of solidarity. “The more we get together,” he said, “the more strength we have — just like yesterday.”

all titles composed by Lionel Loueke, unless otherwise noted

Essaouira
Stranger in the Mirror
United Wayne Shorter
Pure Thought
Highland