Jazz critics will argue the JOHN ABERCROMBIE is the guitarist of his generation who has pushed the boundaries of improvisation, whilst relating to the traditions of jazz. However, ABERCROMBIE has equally been at home with jazz rock fusion having a style that places him readily amongst the top ten jazz rock guitarists. His importance has been shown through the release of a number of classic recordings under his own names and as a collaborator especially through the 70's and 80's, and then again working with Hammond organist DAN WALL in the 90's. As one of the main artists recording for the ECM, he has been allowed to mature independently as a true jazz musician and during this time not be shy using new technology to add to the old. 'Born 1944, JOHN ABERCROMBIE grew up on the East Coast of the USA, picking up the guitar from the age of 14. In the late 60's he toured with organist JOHNNY HAMMOND for weeks at a time, playing as some serious jazz night spots in NYC. During the late 60's, ABERCROMBIE met the BRECKER BROTHERS who were involved in a burgeoning New York jazz rock scene. From this early collaboration, ABERCROMBIE was invited to play with DREAMS, and is to be heard on the band's debut album released by Columbia. Following graduation from Berklee in 1969, ABERCROMBIE moved back into New York City full time, becoming in the subsequent few years an in-demand session musician, recording with GIL EVANS, GATO BARBIERI, BARRY MILES and many other artists. He also became a regular with CHICO HAMILTON'S group. It was as the guitarist in BILLY COBHAM'S post-'Spectrum' band that ABERCROMBIE first began attracting widespread attention among the general public. The group maybe considered an expanded version of DREAMS, that recorded in short order COBHAM's 'Crosswinds' 'Total Eclipse' and 'Shabazz' albums. As a result ABERCROMBIE found himself part of a touring group travelling the rock circuit, playing large concert halls and arenas, along side the likes of the DOOBIE BROTHERS. Nevertheless, doubts crossed ABERCROMBIE's mind as to whether this was what he wanted to do.As luck has it, ABERCROMBIE soon ran into Manfred Eicher at the Montreux Festival, who invited him to record an album for ECM. A seminal jazz rock album 'Timeless' resulted, receiving virtually unanimous critical acclaim for the original trio work with JAN HAMMER (unusually playing Hammond) and JACK DEJOHNETTE (drums). Collaborations with both musicians were to continue, the most notable being the trio, plus MICHAEL BRECKER, rejoined for 'Night'. 'Gateway' was released in November 1975; marking the first collaboration between ABERCROMBIE with DEJOHNETTE and bassist DAVE HOLLAND; ABERCROMBIE can be heard here as the leader and improviser with a straight jazz group. A second GATEWAY recording was released in June 1978. In 1979, ABERCROMBIE formed his own quartet, which included pianist RICHIE BEIRACH, bassist GEORGE MRAZ and drummer PETER DONALD, making three recordings: 'Arcade', 'Abercrombie Quartet', and 'M'. Through this period JOHN ABERCROMBIE was equally at home in main straight new jazz as jazz rock fusion.As is typical of the label and its artists, ABERCROMBIE has recorded with many other ECM artists; the most significant collaborations must surely be with drummer JACK DEJOHNETTE and with fellow guitarist RALPH TOWNER. ABERCROMBIE and TOWNER's 'Sargasso Sea' was released in 1976 with 'Five Years Later' in 1982 - a collaboration first heard on record on HORACEE ARNOLD's 'Tales of An Exonerated Flea' (1974).ABERCROMBIE's career with ECM Records has been marked with subtle changes of direction, whilst the range of recordings reflects a broad and deep range of influences and innovations, clearly not inhibited by vague boundaries between jazz and other genres of music. Line-up / Musicians John Abercrombie/guitars Jan Hammer/Hammond organ,piano,synthesizers ack DeJohnette/drums Discography(Album) Timeless 1975
1.Lungs 2.Love Song 3.Ralph's Piano Waltz 4.Red In Orange 5.Remembering 6.Timeless
