Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Intents and Purposes (2014) [Hi-Res]

This is Rez Abbasi's third album for the label. The New Yorker guitarist with Pakistani roots has found an enticing way to respect both the Indian musical Culture and Charlie Parker at the same time. In his words: 'Thinking of the 1970's conjures up a plethora of historical events, one of which is the radical invention of fully electronic instruments. Galvanized in the late 60's but refined in the 70's, these sound-manipulating machines spawned new genres and sub-genres of music including Disco, Funk, Synthpop, Punk-Rock, Progressive-Rock, Heavy Metal and New Wave.

Recently I've felt the urge to look back at what is often called Jazz-Rock or Jazz-Fusion and realized there are many great compositions that lie under the layers of the electrified sounds. I presented the idea of playing some of these tunes acoustically to my group, RAAQ. I knew that my band mates, Bill, Stephan and Eric would interpret these compositions with modernity, depth and personal vision, and that the chamber-like quality this group carries would shine a different light on this music.

Rez Abbasi's career develops in solid steps as does his touring schedule in the US and Europe. DownBeat devoted a 'Letter by the Editor' and excellent reviews to his previous albums. The concept of this new production is simply brilliant as he presents great well known titles in a yet unheard way.

The Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet re-imagines Jazz-Rock classics from Return To Forever, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Mahavishnu, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, Bill Cobham,Tony Williams. Audiences can hear many of these electrified tunes from the 70's played in a modern acoustic setting for the first time.

Rez Abbasi, steel string, baritone, fretless guitars
Bill Ware, vibraphone
Stephan Crump, acoustic bass
Eric McPherson, drums

01. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Black Market (7:59)
02. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Butterfly (7:37)
03. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Joyous Lake (8:05)
04. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Medieval Overture (8:30)
05. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Resolution (4:59)
06. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Red Baron (5:53)
07. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - Low-Lee-Tah (4:47)
08. Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet - There Comes a Time (6:02)