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Abbey Rader's West Coast Quartet: First Gathering
by John Sharpe
Veteran drummer Abbey Rader's foray to California adds a further chapter to the welcome renaissance of reedman Peter Kuhn. Both men were part of the New York loft jazz scene in the 1970s, but while Kuhn eventually dropped from view in the early '80s, Rader persisted, first moving to Europe, but later returning to Florida where he recorded with saxophonist Dave Liebman, and then spent five years with violinist Billy Bang. Now into his seventies, Rader continues to helm freewheeling ...
Continue ReadingAbbey Rader Quartet with Kidd Jordan: Reunion
by John Sharpe
Drummer Abbey Rader first encountered celebrated reedman Kidd Jordan when he was touring with Billy Bang and Frank Lowe back in 2000, as a member of the outfit featured on One For Jazz (No More Records, 2001). Jordan sat in, and the ensuing mix was successful enough for Rader to intend a follow up. That didn't happen until 2012, when Jordan connected with the drummer's regular band in the Miami date documented here. As with Rader's First Gathering (Abray Productions, ...
Continue ReadingAbbey Rader Quartet with Kidd Jordan: Reunion
by Hrayr Attarian
Intrepid drummer Abbey Rader's second release in 2016, Reunion documents a stimulating live session at the, now sadly defunct, Performing Arts Exchange (PAX) in Miami. Iconoclastic jazzman and legendary saxophonist Kidd Jordan joins Rader and his quartet for this exhilarating improvisational set captured at the above mentioned venue on Halloween night of 2012. The inspired and inspirational music has a definite spiritual edge to it. For instance, on “Talkin,' Burnin,' Prayin,'" Jordan lets loose airy, fluttering lines that, ...
Continue ReadingPeter Ponzol and Abbey Rader: It's Time
by Hrayr Attarian
Reedman Peter Ponzol not only designs and makes unique mouthpieces for various saxophones he is also an imaginative improviser with a singular style. He and intrepid drummer Abbey Rader have a long history of collaboration spanning over four decades. On their 2016 It's Time they perform 11 intimate, original duets that are full of sublime mysticism and showcase individual virtuosity and seamless camaraderie.Rader masterfully blends sparse chimes and reverberating cymbals with silent pauses as he sets a Zen ...
Continue ReadingAbbey Rader's West Coast Quartet: First Gathering
by Hrayr Attarian
With the provocative First Gathering, drummer Abbey Rader unveils an intriguingly new musical approach. Over the past decade or so Rader has consistently utilized two woodwinds on his recordings with saxophonists John McMinn and Noah Brandmark filling those roles on his last three sessions. Rader's current West Coast Quartet features reedmen Peter Kuhn and Drew Ceccato whose style is more expansive, rarified than McMinn and Brandmark's earthier, denser sound yet equally adventurous. The record is organized in a ...
Continue ReadingAbbey Rader Get Free
by Hrayr Attarian
Artist Abbey Rader Abbey Rader: Get Free Swampvalve Pictures 2015 Drummer Abbey Rader is one of the most relentlessly explorative and idiosyncratic improvisers in jazz. He has a unique approach that stems from his rich and multifaceted experiences that has shaped his overall life outlook. So how can all this be told in only 20 minutes? Filmmaker J.L. Rubiera manages it poignantly and with elegant flair. His Abbey Rader: Get Free distills the essence ...
Continue ReadingAbbey Rader: The Message
by Hrayr Attarian
Drummer Abbey Rader's four decades long career has been one of intrepid innovation and creative ingenuity. His unique approach to his instrument brims with unconventional virtuosity and a deep spiritual sense. His The Message on his own Abray label, is a three part, entirely improvised suite recorded live in Miami in January of 2014. Sort of a musical allegory about the various phases of life the harmonically multi-textured performance has an undercurrent of wise serenity even during its wildest most ...
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