Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » John Abercrombie: Open Land

127

John Abercrombie: Open Land

By

Sign in to view read count
John Abercrombie: Open Land
One of the true treasures of Modern Jazz, guitarist John Abercrombie’s impressive and somewhat legendary recorded legacy continues with Open Land. Here, Abercrombie expands his longtime “organ trio” group consisting of organist Dan Wall and drummer Adam Nussbaum while garnering the rather estimable support of special guests, saxophonist Joe Lovano, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and violinist Mark Feldman.

On Open Land the great guitarist offers the listener a panoramic view via wide-open and expansive compositions that leave plenty of room for poignant soloing while a strong sense of depth prevails throughout the entire affair! Abercrombie shines as a serious composer on pieces such as “Just in Tune” where he skillfully comps and performs rich unison lines in conjunction with Kenny Wheeler’s sweet-toned lyricism as master drummer Adam Nussbaum who along with B-3 specialist, Dan Wall expertly handle the rhythms. The title track, “Open Land” commences with gorgeous phrasing of a folksy or organic nature by violinist Mark Feldman, who seems to be turning up everywhere these days, and rightfully so. Feldman is one of the great violinists of our time! On this piece, the musicians turn up the heat a few degrees while launching into a burning swing, as tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano joins in amid shifting undercurrents and blistering solos by Abercrombie and Feldman. “Gimme Five” gradually builds up steam as Dan Wall mans the bass duties via his B-3 organ pedals. Here, the musicians pursue harmonious and melodic choruses which continue on “Little Booker” as Wheeler states the sumptuous melody in near perfect contrast to Abercrombie’s searching, probing single note lines. A glistening and quite memorable composition as richly melodic themes and spacious arrangements continue to unfold. Here, Nussbaum puts on a clinic as he expertly works behind the pulse while providing momentum with rapidly executed fills. “Remembering When” features lush solos from Lovano and Wheeler atop a congenially mid-tempo pulse, as the airiness and ethereal attributes of this piece elicit thoughts of a cool ocean breeze! The final track, “That’s For Sure” is an affable country blues motif boasting a pleasant melody yet perhaps the least interesting composition on this recording.

Open Land is a refreshing edition to Abercrombie’s lengthy discography. If some of you are expecting “Gateway” or the pure firepower of his organ trio, - - forget it! On this release, the guitarist showcases his compositional prowess and goes through somewhat of a makeover, as every piece stands on its own in glowing fashion....The chemistry is there, as we welcome Open Land with open arms! Highly recommended...!!! * * * * ½

Track Listing

Just in Tune; Open Land; Spring Song; Gimme Five; Speak Easy; Little Booker; Free Piece Suit(e); Remember When; That's For Sure.

Personnel

Kenny Wheeler
flugelhorn
Joe Lovano
saxophone
Dan Wall
organ, Hammond B3

Album information

Title: Open Land | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: ECM Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.