Reviews of new jazz, classical, pop and country/roots releases.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Jazz:

DAVE HOLLAND BIG BAND "What Goes Around" (ECM, 3-{ stars)

Bassist Dave Holland's career has careered from Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" and "In a Silent Way" sessions to his own trio and quintet groups in the 1980s and 1990s. Holland, 54, an English native, turns to a 13-piece big band here with the help of Philadelphians Robin and Duane Eubanks on trombone and trumpet, and Temple University-trained trumpeter Earl Gardner.

Six of the seven tunes appear on other Holland recordings, but the familiarity leads in this case to greater intimacy. The pocket big band projects an edginess and a propulsion that make this music satisfying as the sophisticated ensemble plays cleanly but with heart.

Robin Eubanks performs a gorgeous, slow solo on the Spanish-inflected "First Snow," and the leader's big sound provides the light on "Shadow Dance," enhanced further by Billy Kilson's unusual drumming. Tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, and vibraphonist Steve Nelson all bring some heat to this collegial and highbrow setting.

Holland's horns sometimes sound like a `60s James Bond soundtrack, but the lapses are rare. These tunes are full of choice moments when the spirit and intellect combine in lissome ways.

_Karl Stark