R.I.P. John Abercrombie

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From Billboard:

John Abercrombie, renowned jazz guitar player, bandleader, and teacher, has died at the age of 72. He passed away yesterday evening (Aug 22) at his home in Cortland, N.Y., according to an announcement on his Facebook page. The Ottawa Citizen and The Wire report the cause of death as heart failure, related to a stroke Abercrombie experienced earlier this year.

Abercrombie was an influential guitar stylist who, after getting his start as a session musician and sideman with artists like Gato Barbieri, Billy Cobham, and Gil Evans, came into prominence as a bandleader in the 1970s through his recordings on the ECM label. His debut album, Timeless, is particularly renowned, featuring synth/organist Jan Hammer (of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Miami Vice soundtrack fame) and Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett collaborator Jack DeJohnette on drums.

Abercrombie helped to define the trademark, ethereal, and genre-defying sound of the ECM label along with artists like Jarrett, Gary Burton and Pat Metheny. He also played and recorded on-and-off for decades in the trio Gateway, with Jarrett, DeJohnette and legendary bassist Dave Holland.

In the ’80s, Abercrombie began playing on a guitar synthesizer and experiments with outlandish effects to expand the sound palette of his instrument, working in fusion and free-jazz idioms. He was also gifted as a performer of traditional jazz standards, and known for his muted, technically adept style and complex and imaginative harmonic sensibility. He released an album in January, Up and Coming, on ECM in January of this year, billed to The John Abercrombie Quartet.
 
I started the morning by listening to Structures--his only surround (Chesky one-mic) release, to my knowledge--and I've been cycling through a bunch of his ECM releases ever since...

From Billboard:

John Abercrombie, renowned jazz guitar player, bandleader, and teacher, has died at the age of 72. He passed away yesterday evening (Aug 22) at his home in Cortland, N.Y., according to an announcement on his Facebook page. The Ottawa Citizen and The Wire report the cause of death as heart failure, related to a stroke Abercrombie experienced earlier this year.

Abercrombie was an influential guitar stylist who, after getting his start as a session musician and sideman with artists like Gato Barbieri, Billy Cobham, and Gil Evans, came into prominence as a bandleader in the 1970s through his recordings on the ECM label. His debut album, Timeless, is particularly renowned, featuring synth/organist Jan Hammer (of Mahavishnu Orchestra and Miami Vice soundtrack fame) and Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett collaborator Jack DeJohnette on drums.

Abercrombie helped to define the trademark, ethereal, and genre-defying sound of the ECM label along with artists like Jarrett, Gary Burton and Pat Metheny. He also played and recorded on-and-off for decades in the trio Gateway, with Jarrett, DeJohnette and legendary bassist Dave Holland.

In the ’80s, Abercrombie began playing on a guitar synthesizer and experiments with outlandish effects to expand the sound palette of his instrument, working in fusion and free-jazz idioms. He was also gifted as a performer of traditional jazz standards, and known for his muted, technically adept style and complex and imaginative harmonic sensibility. He released an album in January, Up and Coming, on ECM in January of this year, billed to The John Abercrombie Quartet.
 
Had the privilege to see Gateway (Abercrombie, DeJohnette & Holland) back in 73/74. Master musicians making a serious/glorious noise! RIP!
 
Heard & saw Abercrombie at the Blue Note in the 90's. He was with Kenny Wheeler and Peter Erskine. Oregon opened.

DeJohnette was in the audience. We chewed the fat between acts.

A memorable night.

Abercrombie is on the first Dreams album with the Brecker Bros & Cobham. Recommended.

Had the privilege to see Gateway (Abercrombie, DeJohnette & Holland) back in 73/74. Master musicians making a serious/glorious noise! RIP!
 
Heard & saw Abercrombie at the Blue Note in the 90's. He was with Kenny Wheeler and Peter Erskine. Oregon opened.

DeJohnette was in the audience. We chewed the fat between acts.

A memorable night.

Abercrombie is on the first Dreams album with the Brecker Bros & Cobham. Recommended.

I am like within 1 few miles of Hamilton College, and in the 70's they had Cobham show in the chapel on campus, Brecker Bros, Abercrombie, and It was in your face close and small venue, one of the better shows I have been to love small venues anyway. It makes the musicians more real and personal like a buddy. Never forget that show.
 
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