Dave Holland Quartet with Sam Rivers, Anthony Braxton and Barry Altschul at Studio Rivbea, 1 December 1972

Getting started with the many live recordings by "orchiddoctor", we might begin with the oldest tape which was recorded at Studio Rivbea in NY in 1972. The place was set up as a performance space by Sam Rivers,  seen above with Joe Daley at Studio Rivbea in 1976. The establishment of this space set the beginning for what was to become known as the NY loft scene.

What we get to hear here is the David Holland Quartet which released a wonderful album entitled Conference of the Birds in 1973. This album was recorded on 30 November, the day before  the concert at Studio Rivbea. Naturally, the repertoire is to a great extent taken from the album. After listening to the album and to this concert, what we hear is the following, first a statement of the theme of See Saw, then Q & A, then Four Winds, then Interception rounding out the first file. The second file starts off with Now Here (Nowhere) and ends with a tune that is not on the album. I invite suggestions as to what it is.

Sam Rivers is on tenor sax and flute, Anthony Braxton on alto (and contrabass clarinet), Dave Holland on bass and Barry Altschul on percussion. It's really great to hear the interplay of Rivers and Braxton and their strongly individual styles of playing. Very recognisable and not to be confused. As it's a concert, the tunes are considerably longer than on the album, and considerably wilder, too, not hemmed in by the atmosphere of a recording studio.

More to come!