JOHN ABERCROMBIE - The First Quartet
ECM 473 2437 Old & New Masters 3CD Set
Arcade
Recorded December 1978
Abercrombie Quartet
Recorded November 1979
M
Recorded November 1980
John Abercrombie (guitar, mandolin guitar); Richie Beirach (piano); George Mraz (double bass); Peter Donald (drums)
This 3 CD set, the latest in the Old & New Masters series restores to the catalogue Abercrombie's first fledged band as leader, and follows their path from 1978 to 1980. He has previously recorded for the label with the cooperative trio, Gateway with Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette, and in a duo with guitarist/pianist Ralph Towner on Sargasso Sea, but with his quartet it can be said that the guitarist really came to discover himself as an improviser and composer.
The group functioned as a working band, taking in several tours of Europe each year as well as regular work in the clubs in and around New York. It is this intense period of time when it was possible to play together so frequently that the relationship between members of the quartet solidified and developed. It is also possible to document on these recordings the formation of Abercrombie's distinctive tone and phrasing, primarily through his use of the electric mandolin guitar (or soprano| guitar), first heard on the multitracked solo album Characters recorded in 1977, that became his instrument of choice for the next few years.
Looking to break away from the jazz fusion music that he been playing, and also move away from bebop, the guitarist's music took on a more impressionistic approach, perhaps with a little assistance from Richie Bierach and the pianist's grounding in Western classical music. This is clearly heard in the quartets debut recording,Arcade, with the open harmonies and floating melodies penned by Beirach and Abercrombie.
The second recording Abercrombie Quartet, is altogether tougher, both compositionally and from an improvising point of view. Opening with the modal 'Blue Wolf' and the bo Didley inspired 'Riddles' this is more representative of how the quartet sounded live, a veritable powerhouse contained by the gentler and impressionistic compositions and ready to burst forth when given the go ahead.
By the time the band entered the studio for M, they had discovered the formula for balancing the different aspects of their music, the long form composition by John, 'Boat Song', ultimately found it final shape in the studio, with Beirach's 'Flashback' is a real burner; and the quartet continue to experiment with form on the appropriately titled 'What Are The Rules'. It this balance between impressionistic and and kicking up a gear with attitude, drive and creativity that makes these recordings so enjoyable.
Now that all of Abercrombie's recordings for ECM are now back in print it is possible to view these albums as perhaps the work that launched his solo career, and took him from a self confessed "McLaughlin rip off" to one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists in jazz.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 473 2437 Old & New Masters 3CD Set
Arcade
Recorded December 1978
Abercrombie Quartet
Recorded November 1979
M
Recorded November 1980
John Abercrombie (guitar, mandolin guitar); Richie Beirach (piano); George Mraz (double bass); Peter Donald (drums)
This 3 CD set, the latest in the Old & New Masters series restores to the catalogue Abercrombie's first fledged band as leader, and follows their path from 1978 to 1980. He has previously recorded for the label with the cooperative trio, Gateway with Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette, and in a duo with guitarist/pianist Ralph Towner on Sargasso Sea, but with his quartet it can be said that the guitarist really came to discover himself as an improviser and composer.
The group functioned as a working band, taking in several tours of Europe each year as well as regular work in the clubs in and around New York. It is this intense period of time when it was possible to play together so frequently that the relationship between members of the quartet solidified and developed. It is also possible to document on these recordings the formation of Abercrombie's distinctive tone and phrasing, primarily through his use of the electric mandolin guitar (or soprano| guitar), first heard on the multitracked solo album Characters recorded in 1977, that became his instrument of choice for the next few years.
Looking to break away from the jazz fusion music that he been playing, and also move away from bebop, the guitarist's music took on a more impressionistic approach, perhaps with a little assistance from Richie Bierach and the pianist's grounding in Western classical music. This is clearly heard in the quartets debut recording,Arcade, with the open harmonies and floating melodies penned by Beirach and Abercrombie.
The second recording Abercrombie Quartet, is altogether tougher, both compositionally and from an improvising point of view. Opening with the modal 'Blue Wolf' and the bo Didley inspired 'Riddles' this is more representative of how the quartet sounded live, a veritable powerhouse contained by the gentler and impressionistic compositions and ready to burst forth when given the go ahead.
By the time the band entered the studio for M, they had discovered the formula for balancing the different aspects of their music, the long form composition by John, 'Boat Song', ultimately found it final shape in the studio, with Beirach's 'Flashback' is a real burner; and the quartet continue to experiment with form on the appropriately titled 'What Are The Rules'. It this balance between impressionistic and and kicking up a gear with attitude, drive and creativity that makes these recordings so enjoyable.
Now that all of Abercrombie's recordings for ECM are now back in print it is possible to view these albums as perhaps the work that launched his solo career, and took him from a self confessed "McLaughlin rip off" to one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists in jazz.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
