Rez Abbasi - Things to Come - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

For 'Django-shift' Rez Abbasi chose seven of Django Reinhardt's original pieces and two classic tunes that he was greatly associated with. The arrangements were soon created for a contemporary trio , with Neil Alexander on organ and electronics and Michael Sarin on drums. The results give a fascinating and original insight into an often-overlooked attribute of Django's genius, his compositions. Rez Abbasi has established an enviable reputation over the course of his fourteen album releases as leader not simply as one of the finest guitarists of his generation, but also as a musical alchemist with the ability to parlay his continent-crossing range of influences into consistently fresh and innovative compositions and reframings of the tradition. His deep musicality has been applied with equal conviction to contemporary New York acoustic jazz, the Qawwali and Indian Classical traditions of South Asia and the heady fusion sounds of the 1970s.Diminishing / Heavy Artillery / Django's Castle / Anniversary Song / Cavalrie / Hungaria / Douce Ambiance / Swing 42 / September Song

Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Natural Selection [COMPACT DISCS] Digipack Packaging date 09/21/2010

Time never stands still for a multifaceted creator like guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi. His ever-evolving musical journey mirrors the changing currents of his life, from personal introspection to broader social landscapes observed from his New York home. A 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez's 17th recording, Sound Remains, marks a return to the warmth and immediacy of the acoustic guitar with his long-standing ensemble, the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet (RAAQ). On this album - the group's third - Rez reunites with vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Stephan Crump, and drummer Eric McPherson, whose collective synergy has powered their previous acclaimed albums, Natural Selection and Intents and Purposes. This time, the lineup expands with master percussionist Hasan Bakr, who brings the deep-rooted rhythms of his Gullah-Geechee heritage, adding new layers of texture and interplay.Sound Remains is rich in depth and emotion, a testament to the profound connection between Rez and his band. InchEric's use of space complements Hasan's rhythmic feel beautifully. Bill's sound on vibes is uniquely his own. And Stephan's presence on bass is commanding. We captured something truly special on this record.Inch