About: Conference of the Birds (Dave Holland album)

Conference of the Birds is a studio album by jazz bassist Dave Holland, recorded in 1972 and released in 1973. It is his fourth project on ECM Records, and his first as a leader. It is credited on the cover to the “David Holland Quartet”. In reference to the album title, the liner notes describe how birds would congregate each morning outside Holland's London apartment and join with one another in song. It features Holland on acoustic double bass, along with tenor saxophonist Sam Rivers, alto saxophonist Anthony Braxton and percussionist Barry Altschul. Braxton and Rivers also play flutes and clarinets throughout the album.