John Abercrombie

    John Abercrombie continues pushing the envelope of jazz guitar music into the 21st century. His first high profile gig came in 1968 with the legendary soul jazz organist Johnny “Hammond” Smith. Since then his vast experience as a jazz guitarist includes collaborative efforts with many of the all time greats in modern music including Chico Hamilton, Gato Barbieri, Billy Cobham, Charles Earland, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Gil Evans, Jack DeJonnette, Dave Holland, McCoy Tyner, and Charles Lloyd.

His recording career as a leader began in 1974 with the release of “Timeless” on ECM. This relationship has continued for over 30 years and 24 recordings.

Although he sees himself as a player in the jazz guitar tradition of Charlie Chirstian, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, John is highly influenced by the lyrical stylings of Bill Evans and his music is charged with the eruptive melodic invention of Ornette Coleman. This range of influences and the uncanny ability to marry tradition to innovation shows in his highly distinctive compositions – that at best can be described as contemporary multi linear chamber jazz.

This style is best reflected by John’s current Quartet featuring Mark Feldman (violin), Marc Johnson (bass), & Joey Baron (drums) – which has been touring internationally since it’s formation in 2000 and is cited as one the best jazz groups touring today.

In addition to the Quartet – John also continues to tour his organ trio and appear in Duos with pianist Andy Leverne as well as special guest appearances with numerous groups. He also continues to teach highly sought after master classes.

The Critics Speak:

”John Abercrombie’s late night show with his quartet of six years – violinist Mark Feldman, bassist Marc Johnson, and drummer Joey Baron - ranks as one of the festivals (Montreal Jazz Festival) most richly nuanced performances. If one goal of the improvising musician is to create a fresh outlook each and every night, then Abercrombie quartet stands as a raised – bar benchmark against which other groups have to be measured .”
- All About Jazz

“With its dark, mystical edges, organic forms, flights of expressive soloing and cathartic climaxes – Abercrombie’s music really is a more sophisticated and nuanced extension of the heady fusion era when albums were intended to take the listener on an inner journey.”
- Jazztimes

Quartet line up:
John Abercrombie – Guitars
Mark Feldman - violin
Marc Johnson - bass
Joey Baron – Drums

Quartet Backline:
- 2 Guitar amps
- 1 bass amp
- 1 violin amp
- 1 complete drum kit
- 4 music stands with lights

Special Projects:
- Organ Trio with Gary Versace (organ), Adam Nussbaum (d).
- Duo with Andy Leverne (p)
- Quartet with Marc Copeland (p), Drew Gress (b), Billy Hart (d).

Select Discography:
“The Third Quartet” (ECM 2007)
“The Nuttree Quartet” (Kind of Blue Records, 2007)
“Class Trip” (ECM 2004)
“Tactics” (ECM 1996)
“Homecoming” (ECM 1994)
“Timeless” (ECM 1974)

For additional information contact: Maurice Montoya/Maurice Montoya Music Agency
Phone: 212-229-9160, Fax: 212-229-9168, e-mail: mm@mmmusicagency.com