DAVID WAKEFIELD To have shared a stage with Miles Davis is akin to batting with Bradman or kicking about in the park with Pele.

DAVID WAKEFIELD

To have shared a stage with Miles Davis is akin to batting with Bradman or kicking about in the park with Pele. Thus Dave Holland carries an aura more than a reputation; but one is never for a second blinded as to the man's phenomenal talent. Whether playing rock-steady rhythmic lines or a dextrous solo, he is the ideal small group anchor, offering his musicians the ideal platform.

The material came from the band's grammy-nominated albums Global Citizen and Prime Directive. The latter closed the set and featured an unaccompanied bout between trombonist Robin Eubanks and saxist Chris Potter that drew gasps and rapturous applause.

Earlier, there was some relaxed tenor playing from Potter on For All You Are, and nice work on marimba from vibes player Steve Nelson on the haunting Bedouin Trail – which featured an extended introduction from Eubanks in which he quoted Holst, no less. Holland himself did battle with drummer Nate Smith in How's Never, which featured one of the better drum solos to be heard in Norwich this year.

This concert was played straight through without an interval – good in that momentum is not lost and ideas flow. A great night.

David Wakefield