Customer Reviews

Wait Till You See Her

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Abercrombie and crew deliver another fine album. This is the same lineup from Third Quartet, Cat N' Mouse, and Class Trip and such, with the exception of Thomas Morgan on bass. Joey Baron and Mark Feldman give outstanding performances as usual. Every song but the title track is an Abercrombie composition, with Wait Till You See her being an old Rogers and Hart tune. This is a more somber outing than the last few albums by this group, but it's still wonderful. Any fan of John Abercrombie should pick this up. I saw this band in 2007 while they were on the Class Trip tour, and while they are amazing live, the studio records are outstanding as well.

This deflates expectations with a really slow opener and gradually improves, but its very much a team outing. I look back on John Abercrombies outings like Night and November when the saxophonist in each case was propelled to shine by (a) being a great player and (b) by JA's selflessness and great group interplay, and you get the same this time but for the violinist Marc Feldman. I personally hear more Abercrombie guitar on two recent albums - Brewsters Rooster by John Surman, and the really excellent Tales by Robert Balzar, and a bit more speed and passion frankly. This seems a little bit sad and slow in comparison but I will probably get into it as the great thing about Abercrombie records is that they always get better with every listen

The music on Wait Till You See Her is gentle but intense. Guitarist Abercrombie's group this time around comprises Mark Feldman on violin, Thomas Morgan on bass, and Joey Baron on drums. The music sounds cooperative, with nobody trying to steal the spotlight.

That is not to say there is no energy in this outing; rather, the energy that is here is of the slow, simmering variety. This is music of a definite mood, and to really enjoy listening to this CD, you have to be in a certain mood, or else the music will just seem to lack energy and inspiration. This group communicates by insinuation, not declaration, meaning that at times, the music can seem to simply meander. Still, if you are in the right (mellow but not passive) mood, chances are that this music will warm you with its slow, even heat and gentle light.

Abercrombie noodles creatively, Feldman weaves spell after spell, while Morgan strums and plucks with tasteful restraint. This is the most subtly I have ever heard Joey Baron play -- he was apparently in just the right mood for this music, complementing his fellow musicians with a deft touch. Although at times I find myself wishing for a bit more energy and contrast in this recording, I must conclude by pointing out that there is much here to admire and enjoy.

this cd has a great sound, and Abercrombie is at his best. If you liked the previous quartet cd's (Cat n' mouse, and class trip), with Joey Baron, Marc Johnson, and Mark Feldman, you would love this one (which introduces Thomas Morgan on bass, intsead).
Another must for every (no pick) Abercrombie fan, and every guitar player.
Melancholic (read it in the other review)? not more than the usual.

Bottom line, great cd, especially if you're into Abercrombie ECM sound.