Recorded in December 1978
Reissued as part of the 3-CD set John Abercrombie: The First Quartet (ECM, 2015)
This is the first LP from John Abercrombie's incredible first quartet with Richie Beirach, George Mraz, and Peter Donald.
I love this group so much, and -- for some strange reason -- they have been almost completely overlooked by both listeners and critics. From my perspective, this is a textbook example of 1970s jazz that made only a few ripples when it was released that deserves to be reassessed with open ears today.
Thankfully, ECM finally reissued this music in 2015. For many years, Arcade and the quartet's other two LPs -- M and John Abercrombie Quartet -- were out of print. I'm glad that more listeners now have an opportunity to hear this exquisite music.
More John Abercrombie
Of course, the "classic" Abercrombie album from the 1970s is Timeless (ECM, 1975) with Jan Hammer and Jack DeJohnette. The album is like a fast ride in a turbo-charged sports car. The music's power and crackling amplitude are very much in step with the times, following Hendrix and the many Hendrix-inspired fusion guitarists who came after him. That said, as much as I enjoy Timeless, I feel like the first quartet's subtlety and interplay are better aligned with Abercrombie's true musical temperament. Abercrombie-philes need to hear all three of their albums. As much as I love Arcade, M (ECM, 1981) just might be the best of the lot.
Much of the reason for overlooking Abercrombie's ECM quartet albums is that they demand close listening, and time is in short supply. Plus, this music does not hit you over the head but rather develops lines and shades carefully without too many dynamic contrasts. I think I made the mistake of grouping all of the quartet LPs into a category, without critically listening to their specific differences and delights. It's well worth the time, however. Revisiting "John Abercrombie Quartet" reveals of lot of nuanced detail and communication among members of the band. "M" and "Arcade" are likewise satisfying. This was a great group, and much can be learned by paying closer attention to each of its albums.
ReplyDelete