It is with the utmost pride and excitement that Edition Records announces a new partnership with the legendary bassist, composer and bandleader Dave Holland and his own imprint Dare2. This new partnership marks a new era for Dave Holland, focusing on new recordings and archive releases. It’s also his first new label home since forming Dare2 in 2005.

Dave Holland’s story, impact and presence on the global Jazz scene is monumental. The now notorious call from Miles Davis in 1968 to join his band, having seen him play at Ronnie Scott’s, kickstarted a journey of creative exploration and music making that has lasted 50 years. It’s seen him collaborate with many of the greats in this music including, Sam Rivers, Kenny Wheeler, Hank Jones, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, Stan Getz, Jack DeJohnette and Anthony Braxton and of course Miles himself.

Dave’s creative output on ECM from his debut in 1972 until 2003 includes some of the most influential albums released on the German label and enabled him to build an adoring, global audience for his virtuosic technique and rhythmic feel, inspired by respect for his open-eared approach to styles and sound. Today’s world is unimaginably different and Edition’s mission, to ‘support and enhance their artists’ vision’, will be paramount in helping Dave to navigate the complexities of the next period of his recording career and to reach new audiences.

Dare2, as the name suggests, was a brave move for an established artist into independent label management and full control of his recordings. This model has served the bass player well during the previous 15 years, allowing him the freedom to release the records that he needed to release and the power to control his recorded destiny. Now, in a changing world, a new model is necessary and Dave’s collaboration with Edition Records will enhance the benefits of independent production and control with the additional vision and proven excellence of Edition in navigating the complexities of music in the digital world and reaching out to new audiences. 

In May 2021, Dave Holland will release a new Double LP, CD and Digital album with Kevin Eubanks and Obed Calvaire marking the start of the new deal and his continuing relationship with Edition following the release of Good Hope in 2019 with Zakir Hussain and Chris Potter. Dave Holland explains:

“It had been a long-term goal of mine to create a record label for the release of my own recording projects. In 2004, with the help and guidance of my daughter and business manager Louise Holland, we established Dare2 records so that we could retain ownership of the master recordings and have more control over the scheduling, production, presentation and marketing of releases. In 2019 Edition Records released the album “Good Hope” by The Crosscurrents Trio, a group co-lead by Zakir Hussein, Chris Potter and myself. Working with Edition Records and its owner Dave Stapleton was a very positive experience and I was particularly impressed by the quality of their product and the use of creative strategies suited to the contemporary market. Discussions regarding a collaboration between Edition and Dare2 resulted in an agreement to work together on future releases of both new and archived recordings. I look forward to this new partnership.” Dave Holland

For Edition, it’s a significant moment in the label’s journey as Dave Stapleton explains:

“To partner with Dare 2 and Dave Holland, marks a significant moment in our journey. It’s a perfect fit, in the values we share and the music we love. To call Edition his new home and to work with him closely in reaching new audiences and in navigating the complexities of the world we live in is incredibly exciting.”

As Dave approaches his 75th birthday in October 2021, his legendary status as a bassist, composer, arranger and band-leader is firmly fixed into Jazz history.

‘Another Land’ featuring Kevin Eubanks and Obed Calviare will be released on 28th May 2021

For more visit: Dave Holland