Dave Holland’s Very Winning Combination

Bassist Dave Holland’s resume includes stints with Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz and Thelonious Monk, among others, as well as the leadership of a variety of groups of his own. But the quintet that the veteran English-born musician is currently leading ranks among the finest musical expressions in his long career.

Unfortunately, the quintet’s appearance at the Jazz Bakery was limited to Friday- and Saturday-night performances. But the group made the most of their brief stay, playing before packed-house, vocally enthusiastic audiences.

Holland’s ensemble was structured around an unusually intriguing instrumentation: Chris Potter on saxophones, Robin Eubanks on trombone and Steve Nelson on vibes, with Billy Kilson on drums and Holland on bass (identical--except for Potter’s replacement of Steve Wilson--with the personnel on Holland’s excellent new ECM album, “Points of View”). The range of tonal coloration in the combination was superb--especially evident in the smooth textures of Nelson’s “Candlelight Vigil.” Equally important, the lightness of Nelson’s vibes brought an airy openness to tunes in which the lead was carried by the driving combination of saxophone and trombone.

But in Saturday night’s opening set, the primary emphasis was on the soloists, with virtually every tune dominated by long, extended improvisational excursions. No problem there, since each player is world-class, with Potter and Eubanks, in particular, exchanging one challenging chorus after another.

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Best of all, there was ample opportunity for Holland--arguably one of the finest bassists in jazz--to stretch out. And, on a new Eubanks tune, “Metamorphos,” he did precisely that, opening the piece with a long, intricate cadenza-like solo that slowly unfolded into an irresistible rhythmic exchange with Kilson.

It was stunning jazz, all of it, beautifully conceived, beautifully played. The only problem was the shortness of the booking. Holland’s group is far too good to have been restricted to a two-night run.