Quotes by Dave Holland

I grew up in the Midlands area of England around the Birmingham area and when I was four years old, my uncle, who was living in the same house that I was living in, had as a hobby, playing the ukulele. At four years old, I was interested in this instrument already and he taught me a few chords on it. So that is how I started on string instruments.

I have a special place for Ray Brown's playing because his approach to the instrument was the thing that inspired me initially. I feel that that is at the bottom of my playing and that that is the fundamental influence that I have on my playing. He kind of holds a special place for me.

I think music can be many things to many people. I think it should exist on many levels. I think that music can exist on dance and rhythm and movement and at the same time, exist on a very high intellectual level. You can come to the music bringing whatever understanding you have and find something in it that you can connect with.

I think string instruments in general were something I felt an affinity for. I liked the bass. I was a rhythm guitarist and the bass seemed a more interesting thing to do than play chords. It didn't have the high profile of the lead guitarist, but I wasn't really ready for that at the time. It seemed to suit my personality.

I think that what is important is that the music be honest and direct and that it is relevant to today. I think music needs to be of its time and speak to that time.

I think there is great interest amongst the younger people in this music. I think that there is a lot of them that are looking for interesting situations and music that is stimulating.

In fact, jazz has such a great feeling and great emotional content that it really doesn't require you to have technical understanding of it. I think you just have to allow your feelings to go with the music and you will find yourself carried along by it fairly quickly.

The fundamental role that the bass has always had is to outline the lower parts of the harmony and be supportive rhythmically. You work very closely with the drummer, usually in a jazz group and in the rhythm section. It is sort of a fulcrum in the group.

The whole point in developing your own style is to find your own voice.

We have found that our audience range in age from teenager and even younger sometimes, children that are brought by their parents, to the older generation. I am particularly encouraged by how many young people are coming to the concerts and who often travel great distances to be there.