Natural Selection

REZ ABBASI ACOUSTIC QUARTET: Natural Selection
Sunnyside, 2010

MODERN JAZZ – Here’s a new sound for Abbasi, who is best known for an electric guitar style fusing modern jazz with South Asian roots. That fused approach is still present, but by switching to acoustic and playing against Bill Ware’s shimmering vibraphone, Abbasi creates a unique, organic texture. The two instruments maintain a tight dialogue in a dazzling, ear-catching setting, and the tunes are really compelling.

All good! Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 9

1. 6:14 – moaning Pakistani qawwali melody picks up a sweeping groove
2. 5:54 – sneaky tune with darting theme, great vibes and prodding guitar
3. 4:26 – climbing melody; solos blend cramped tension and outstretched lines
4. 8:02 – careful, shadowy midtempo: solos tiptoe and scurry, guitar gets deep
5. 2:36 – slow overdubbed guitars: starts as moody contemplation, rises up
6. 7:20 – spinning theme settles down for intricate solos from all 4 musicians
7. 6:28 – cool noir walk drifts into angular interplay, wide-open bass/drum duet
8. 5:22 – relaxed and cerebral, floats calmly over drum waves
9. 5:01 – churning midtempo version of classic tune: guitar flies, vibes roll
10. 3:24 – solo guitar: interesting take on a 1970s r&b hit

[ Fo ] 05/21/11