Song of the Day: John Abercrombie “Timeless”

Today we remember the influential jazz and fusion guitarist John Abercrombie who sadly passed over the weekend at the age of 72. Abercrombie originally hailed from Port Chester, New York and set the jazz world alight in the early 70s with his skillful runs and keen melodic sense.

After initially breaking through as member of Johnny “Hammond” Smith‘s group and later playing extensively with saxophonist Michael Brecker and his brother, trumpeter, Randy Brecker, Abercrombie would go on to become a stalwart of the hyper cerebral ECM Label. During his time on ECM, Abercrombie would record a number of acclaimed records both as a bandleader and as an accompanist. He remained highly active and sought after for his versatile playing and sharp intelligence, particularly in establishing group improvisational dynamics.

John Abercrombie was a player who seemed just as happy to comp or provide counterpoint runs as he was to lay down the melody itself. “Timeless” is a great example of not only the ECM sound, but also Abercrombie doing a number of the things he was best at.

Abercrombie was also notable for session work with children’s jazz-fusion group Stark Reality, whose records remain elusive and highly sought after by collectors and crate diggers.

Rest in peace.

Bonus song: Abercrombie tearing it up on the fuzz-tone guitar with Stark Reality: