Various - Pakistani Music Various - Indian Music Kenny Wheeler - Knu High Keith Jarrett Trio at the Blue Note (box) John Surman/John Warren - Brass Project Paul Hindemith - Mathis der Maler John Coltrane - The European Tour Fred Anderson Quartet - Volume 1 Lennie Tristano - The New Tristano John O'Gallagher - Quartet

Born in Pakistan, raised in California and residing in New York for the past twelve years, guitarist/composer Rez Abbasi is a vivid synthesis of his influences.

He has shared the stage with musicians such as Ruth Brown, Victor Lewis, Gary Thomas, Ken Werner, Barre Phillips and many others. His three recordings as a leader have featured the likes of Peter Erskine, Billy Drewes, Marc Johnson, Gary Thomas, Michael Formanek, Russ Lossing and more. Although improvised jazz is certainly his baseline art, Rez's delvings into musical traditions of other cultures inform his musical vision.

These propensities and gifts, although in abundant evidence in his previous two c.d.s, "Third Ear" and "Modern Memory", have never been more dramatically and exquisitely manifested than in his most recent release, "Out Of Body", featuring Tony Malaby, Ron Horton, John Hebert and Bruce Hall.

We'll quote Bill Milkowski again since we agree that, "his unpredictable phrasing and accomplished writing are what sets Abbasi apart from hordes of other technically adept guitarists."

Check Rez's new site at www.reztone.com for details on availability and his eastern US mini tour in support of "Out of Body".