John Abercrombie's tying together of jazz's
many threads made him one of the most influential acoustic and
electric guitarists of the 1970s and early '80s; his recordings
for ECM have helped define that label's progressive chamber jazz
reputation. His star has since faded somewhat, due largely to
the general conservatism that's come to dominate jazz, though
he has remained a vital creative personality. Abercrombie's style
draws upon all manner of contemporary improvised music; his style
is essentially jazz-based, but he also displays a more-than-passing
familiarity with forms that range from folk and rock to Eastern
and Western art musics.
Abercrombie attended Boston's Berklee College of Music from
1962 to 1966. While at Berklee, the guitarist toured with bluesman
Johnny Hammond. After relocating to New York in 1969, Abercrombie
spent time in groups led by drummers Chico Hamilton and Billy
Cobham. It was with the latter's Spectrum group that Abercrombie
first received widespread attention. Abercrombie's first album
as leader was Timeless, a trio album with drummer Jack DeJohnette
and keyboardist Jan Hammer. That was followed by Gateway, another
trio with DeJohnette and bassist Dave Holland replacing Hammer.
Abercrombie's subtle and lyrical style is heard to best effect
in small, intimate settings, with the recurring Gateway trio
or as captured in duos with fellow guitarist Ralph Towner.
Abercrombie continued to be active as the 21st century opened,
releasing Cat 'n' Mouse in 2002, Class Trip in 2004, A Nice
Idea (with pianist Andy LaVerne) in 2005, Structures (recorded
with a single microphone) in 2006, and Third Quartet in 2007.
Wait Till You See Her appeared in 2009.
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