Bassist Dave Holland’s decades-long mountain climb on ECM’s terrain began with 1971’s A.R.C., but this is his Everest. Recorded live at Birdland in 2001, Extended Play boasts one of his best-oiled machines with saxophonist Chris Potter, trombonist Robin Eubanks, mallet man Steve Nelson, and drummer Billy Kilson. Given that the nine tunes selected here average 15 minutes apiece, there’s much to admire from track to track. Each musician colors in his side of the pentagon with boldness until the whole is unbreakable. Essential for all Holland fans, and a suitable gateway for those in the making.

– Tyran Grillo