The eldest of the quintet of guitarists who ushered in the golden age of modern jazz guitar (with Frisell, Metheny, Stern, and Scofield), John Abercrombie has maintained the lowest profile of the group, while continuing to carve out a successful career and continually exploring new music. The Jim Hall-like delicacy of his touch, his relentless swing, and ability to play lyrically without ever descending into cliché or prettiness has been a constant source of inspiration.
I have loved John’s music for a long, long time. He is one of the only guitarists whose guitar synth work sounded fresh and interesting. Remember when Terje Rypdal used guitar synth on some tracks? Yikes. John managed to pull it off. Getting There is still one of my favorites of all time.
thank you MR. Abrcrombie for a inspiring interview..
Although the mentioned quintet of guitarists are critical lynchpins of modern jazz guitar, we also have to acknowledge that John McLaughlin, Terje Rypdal, Larry Coryell, and Bill Connors were equals in ushering a “golden age”. A nonet, maybe?
True dat. I was thinking of the crew that came out of Berklee at around that time
in a word , Timeless , thanks John Abercrombie for your lyrical voice.