Dave Holland's most notable work with a guitarist in the past was with John Abercrombie, and their collective trio Gateway with drummer Jack DeJohnette. For this set his quartet includes guitarist Kevin Eubanks, along with longtime musical cohorts Steve Coleman on alto saxophone and Marvin "Smitty" Smith on drums. The album opens and closes with compositions by Eubanks.

Recorded at Power Station, New York, New York in September 1989.

Dave Holland Quartet: Dave Holland (bass); Steve Coleman (alto saxophone); Kevin Eubanks (guitar); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums).

"Nemesis" is a fairly straightforward post-bop structure that lets everyone strut their wares in fine form. "Color of Mind" is unapologetically funky, and provides a perfect rhythmic bed for Coleman to sail over with glee. Holland's two pieces, "Processional" and "The Oracle" are both subtle and atmospheric, providing a fine contrast to the greater rhythmic density of the other tunes. Coleman, whose been writing a piece or two on most of Holland's albums he appears on, here offers two of his most contrasting numbers. "Black Hole" adheres to his angular and propulsive standards, while "101 Degrees Fahrenheit (Slow Meltdown)" employs mysterious and cinematic dramatics.

Q (1/91) - 3 Stars - Good - "Holland's bass is the formidable linchpin, soulful and propulsive throughout." - Recommended as one of the five best jazz albums of 1990. - "Lovely, lissome, rhythmically flexible 1990s contemporary bop."
Village Voice (2/5/91) - Performance A / Sound B - "The people telling you that the Holland is one of last year's best aren't exaggerating."

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