Conference of the Birds

Conference of the Birds (1973) by the Dave Holland Quartet is an important example of 1970s avant-garde and free jazz, built around Holland's bass-led compositions and extended group improvisation. The record features saxophonists Anthony Braxton and Sam Rivers alongside drummer Barry Altschul, and is notable for its open, spacious interplay, contrapuntal textures between bass and reeds, and a balance of written motifs with loose, exploratory solos that emphasize collective dynamics over individual spotlighting.