Solar: The Bebop Album

by John Abercrombie

Overview

Guitarists John Abercrombie and John Scofield join forces for these early-'80s sessions, mostly duets while occasionally adding bassist George Mraz and drummer Peter Donald. They delve into the jazz canon with an intricate duet of "Solar," a driving, Latin-fused take of "Four on Six" (in which Abercrombie overdubs an electric mandolin), and a dreamy duo interpretation of "If You Could See Me Now." The sole standard, "I Should Care," fares just as well in their hands, which settles into a relaxed exchange between the two players as if they are playing for themselves alone. Scofield's "Small Wonder" is scored for the quartet, a bristling post-bop vehicle with a feature for Mraz as well. Abercrombie's introspective "Sing Song" best contrasts the styles of the two leaders, with the composer a bit more melodic and Scofield with a more brittle attack. This is an enjoyable CD that has stood the test of time very well. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	03/31/1993
Label:	Quicksilver
UPC:	0015668400420
Rank:	80125

Tracks

1. Solar
2. Even Steven
3. Four on Six
4. Sing Song
5. Small Wonder
6. I Should Care
7. If You Could See Me Now

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Abercrombie   Primary Artist,Mandolin,Guitar
George Mzar   Primary Artist
Peter Donald   Primary Artist,Drums
John Scofield   Primary Artist,Guitar
George Mraz   Guest Artist,Bass
George Marz   Bass

Technical Credits

John Abercrombie   Producer,Composer
Wes Montgomery   Composer
Roger Wiersema   Assistant Engineer
Axel Stordahl   Composer
Miles Davis   Composer
Michael McDonald   Engineer
Herb Wong   Art Direction
John Scofield   Composer,Producer,Performer
Carl Sigman   Composer
Orrin Keepnews   Producer,Liner Notes
George Horn   Mastering
Sammy Cahn   Composer
Chuck Walker   Design
Knut Schotteldreier   Cover Art
George Mzar   Performer
Fred Catero   Engineer
Tadd Dameron   Composer
Paul Weston   Composer