Conference of the Birds cover

Conference of the Birds

Released

Bassist Dave Holland and his various band configurations have left a phenomenal track record on ECM, but this 1972 session with Sam Rivers and Anthony Braxton (both playing reeds and flutes) and percussionist Barry Altschul is among the most captivating of the label’s early releases. Even though “free jazz” rolls off the tongue to describe Conference of the Birds, there is plenty of fluent banter to enjoy, especially in “Four Winds” and “See-Saw.” What makes this a classic is its spirit of liberation, downright archaeological significance in Holland’s output, and uplifting atmosphere. There’s nothing quite like it.

Tyran Grillo

Recommended by

Suggestions
July 15, 1972 cover

July 15, 1972

Taj Mahal Travellers
Debut cover

Debut

Björk
Scorch Trio cover

Scorch Trio

Scorch Trio, Paal Nilssen-Love, Raoul Björkenheim, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten
Thembi cover

Thembi

Pharoah Sanders
The Adding Machine cover

The Adding Machine

The Orchestra Of Excited Strings, Arnold Dreyblatt
Frog cover

Frog

Merzbow