Customer Reviews

Homecoming

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This record and it's companion (Homecoming) are truly a pair of wonderful,"jazz" trio cd's. All three of the players Abercrombie, Holland and Dejonette are indidually masters of their crafts. Abercrombie moves in an out of sounds with incredible ease, at one moment sounding like Joe Pass the next like some "outside" distorted tonmeister. However, the notes are just "there", not calculated in any way, just kind of pulled out of the air. Saying Hollands bass is lyrical, substantial and supportive does not do him justice, one of the best upright players around. Dejonett's drumming sounds effortless and melodic. He has superb touch and control and his cymbal work is truly outstanding.

The whole cd sounds just as if the three players were communicating effortlessly to extract music that already exists. But enought of my extistential nonesense! It's a great cd with incradible depth and texture and offers many hours of exploration. Each time you put it on there is something new to be heard, some nuance that you missed the last time. Very highly recommended!

Gateway is a trio comprising John Abercrombie, guitar; Dave Holland, bass; and Jack DeJohnette, drums and piano. All three of these fine musicians have been featured on numerous CDs over the years, but when they cut this CD, they had not recorded together for more than a decade, thus the title, Homecoming. Judging from the energy and spirit of the music on this disk, all three truly enjoyed getting back together, and they have produced a CD that is tightly crafted yet still swinging. This is not music that grabs the listener immediately; instead, it takes a few listens to really get into the deeper beauty and appeal of the musicians' interplay.

Gateway consists of John Abercrombie, Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette, three very popular and routine jazz musicians. They gathered for a gig in 1975 on the ECM label resulting in the album "Gateway". Two years later, they recorded "Gateway 2". After a 17 year long break from the group (Jack DeJohnette still played on some of John Abercrombie's records - notably "Timeless"), they recorded "Homecoming". They three of them comes with totally fresh minds, which make the recording a joy to listen to.

The 12 minute starting tune - the title track 'Homecoming' - is an up-tempo, creative fully which fulfill all expectations. 'Waltz New' is a bit slower, but it's very interesting too. 'Short Cut' begins slow, but with its swinging rhytm evolves into a song reminding me of a standard played by the Standards Trio; it has the same quality, notably because of Jack DeJohnette, but also Abercrombie's melodic discoveries. 'How's Never' is a funky, rock-style, groovy tune which with the sound of the jazz guitar makes it very interesting. On the last song, "Oneness", Jack DeJohnette plays piano, which he manages nicely, although it's not a very difficult tune, but the underlying harmonies created by the piano suites the acoustic guitar and the double-bass very good.

Altogether "Homecoming" is a great album, perhaps most so because of the long experience playing together. I really love how the drums match the guitar in a way that none of them is on the sideline. Everybody is contributing all the time. If you like guitar and jazz, don't hesitate to listen to or even buy this album.

The interplay on this cd is beautiful. Just put this one in your disc-player and relax. 'Waltz new' is my favorite track - John Abercrombie is not only a great guitarist - he can also write a pretty tune. You will not find another trio that has the unique sound of Gateway - and this is one of their best albums together.

An almost miraculous blending of three of the major players in the world of Jazz. Each player seems quite capable of playing through large passages of free Jazz and yet never leaving the other guys behind. Thsi is music on a higher level. Sit back, shut your eyes and enjoy. These guys are painting wonderful musical pictures in your mind! Highlights: Jack's drumming throughout, and Dave's solo in the title track. If you want to be transported off to a better place, then I can't recommend this album highly enough.

If you like any of these artists, this one's a keeper. One of my absolute favorite CDs -- energetic, swinging, lovely, introspective.