State(ment)-of-the-art
Bernard | 09/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first of John Abercrombie's albums with Dan Wall and Adam Nussbaum, trio or otherwise, and it's a beauty. This is a smouldering, brooding album of fine, fine music; both composed and improvised. The music is, of course, always paramount. John Abercrombie wouldn't know how to disappoint in this department. He is an outstanding composer. Having said that, one of my favourites on this album is 'Carol's Carol', a great tune by Dan Wall!
The Amazon[.com] reviewer above says that 'While We're Young' hasn't got much drive. Granted, a Bluenote 60's organ tio it is NOT, but that for me is an absolute plus! This is imaginative, modern, and non-standard in every way (pun intended). Drifting and dreamy? Maybe. Aimless? Certainly not. This is not docile and aimless music. (For docile one need look no further than Abercrombie's 'Open Land' disc.) This is subtle, absorbing, even mystrious, but thoroughly swinging music. There's a cool atmosphere here, true, but there's also plenty of heat just beneath the surface.
There's some incredibly fine guitar work from John Abercrombie on this album. His soloing is melodic, but it's never repetitive or predictable. It's full of fascinating twists and turns, and his comping (accompaniment) is really superb. He even plays some fine acoustic guitar - with organ and drums! Wow!
Perhaps this IS an acquired taste, but to my mind this music is every bit as engaging as that of any guitarist in Jazz; now or any other time. Highly recommended.
NOTE: This recording is NOT "discontinued by the manufacturer" as stated, but is sadly the victim of someone somewhere who can't be bothered to make it available. It IS available in other parts of the world, and it's a shame that you can't buy it here at Amazon.com at a reasonable price."