Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Robin Eubanks, Steve Nelson and Nate Smith delivered a searing set at the Pavilion, Bath as part of the Festival. Playing tracks from the recent album Critical Mass and others the British grand master's band demonstrated their collective power to the maximum. The quintet was formed in 1997 and its present line-up has operated since 2005, Nate Smith replacing Billy Kilson.

Myself and Dick Hamer arrived just as Chris was taking a short break from the soundcheck so couldn't resist getting a photo.

Minutes later we heard the sound of a sax and headed for the open door.  Potter was ambling through a few patterns so I took the opportunity to record part of his warm-up, Dick, being no slouch on tenor himself just shook his head in disbelief and said "if he can think it, it seems he can play it"

Dim lights Download

Following Dan Stern's opening spot, Dave welcomed the crowd, commented on how beautiful the city was and then the band kicked in. I didn't get all the track names as I was so blown away by the sheer attack and precision of everyone on the stage. Nate Smith's drumming seems to defy marking time, effortlessly propelling the band whether at breakneck speed over odd time-signatures or caressing a gentle bout of ballad-playing. Steve Nelson's crisp and sharp comping threaded its way around the melodic invention of the front-liners and his mallet-speed during his solos was a blur at times. Eubanks has a fat warm sound at all tempos and his technique and range allows him to soar like an eagle or buzz around the horn like a bumble bee.

 Here's the opening of Ario, which Holland wrote following a trip to Brazil.