Dave Holland — front and center

Holland's supporting cast has helped him develop a unique sound. There is the unusual front line combining Robin Eubanks' trombone and Chris Potter's saxophones. Instead of a pianist, vibraphonist Steve Nelson plays various roles, lightly filling in the chords, weaving exquisite solos, and playing percussively. The drummer, until recently Billy Kilson, plays everything from traditional 3/4 jazz beats to odd meters and funk, African and Cuban rhythms.

Rather than indulge in excessive bass solos with the band, Holland uses other outlets for displaying his virtuosity, including recent performances with a chamber orchestra of "Bass Inventions," a concerto written for him by British composer Marc Anthony Turnage.

"I'm not trying to prove anything like this is my band, check me out," said Holland. "My role as a bass player is to try and be supportive and to contribute something to the music."

Holland acknowledges Mingus as one of his main inspirations, particularly in the way he combined new and traditional styles. Holland's big-band CD includes a tribute, "Blues for C.M."

But it would be hard to find two more opposite personalities as bandleaders. Mingus could be fiery, demanding and dictatorial. Holland is soft-spoken and laid-back.

"For me, it's always been about a group statement in the music," said Holland. "It's not a dictatorial but a democratic situation . . . everybody has a big part in decision-making during the performance. . . . We're all creating the music together and we surprise each other each night."

It's a testimony to Holland that he's kept his present quintet together for six years with only one personnel change — with drummer Nate Smith replacing Kilson on the current tour — even though its members are leaders in their own right.

"Dave has a real focus of what he wants his music to sound like, but he doesn't impose it in an uncomfortable way," said the 32-year-old Potter. "The music feels like it's still evolving."

The quintet forms the core of Holland's 13-piece big band, which debuted at the 2000 Montreal jazz festival. "What Goes Around" featured reworked versions of compositions previously recorded by Holland's small ensembles. Its second CD, due out next year, will present material written for the big band, including Holland's "Monterey Suite," commissioned for the 2001 Monterey jazz festival.

Holland's bandleading approach was forged by his experience with Miles Davis. Like the trumpeter, he encourages his bandmates to bring in their own compositions, adding to the stylistic diversity.