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Rez Abbasi: Out of Body
by Phil DiPietro
Does Rez Abbasi really need another stellar review? Can I figure out how to say something beyond Bill Milkowski, who says, “Abbasi's unpredictable phrasing and accomplished writing are what sets him apart from hordes of other technically adept plectrists?" Maybe I can be more flowery (better yet, more read ) than JazzTimes, who said “Rez Abbasi shows an uncanny flair with no categorical party line. A fresh voice worth hearing." From my outpost in Beantown, can I possibly render a ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi: Third Ear
by Glenn Astarita
Third Ear is a reissue of sessions guitarist Rez Abbasi recorded in 1991 & 1992 along with a star studded cast of modern jazz luminaries such as bassist Marc Johnson, drummer Peter Erskine, saxophonist Bob Mintzer and others. Here, Abbasi pursues contemporary jazz with a modern or in some instances hard edge yet not quite as bold or adventurous as his exemplary 1998 showing for “Cathexis Records” titled, Modern Memory. Nevertheless, Abbasi turns in a commendable performance as a sculptor ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi: Third Ear
by David Adler
Third Ear was recorded in 1991 and 1992 and released on the Ozone label in 1995. It’s been remastered and repackaged for Abbasi’s current label, Cathexis. Despite its slightly dated content, the disc demonstrates that nearly a decade ago, Abbasi was already a player and composer to be reckoned with. He also knew all the right people—saxophonists Billy Drewes and Bob Mintzer; pianists Russ Lossing, Kenny Werner, and Marc Copland; bassists Scott Colley and Marc Johnson; drummers Ben Perowsky and ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi: Modern Memory
by C. Michael Bailey
Fluid Mechanics. Rez Abbasi plays guitar like cold water pouring from a picture. His lines are seamless, swinging with no fear. Originally hailing from Karachi, Pakistan, Abbsabi’s parents soon located to Los Angeles where Rez grew up, he was influenced by Jim Hall and Pat Metheny. He moved to New York in the late 1980’s, graduated from the Manhattan School of Music where he developed his musical identity and he recorded his first disc, Third Ear (Ozone). The current disc ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi: Modern Memory
by David Adler
A few things are made clear by this recording: Guitarist Rez Abbasi has formidable chops, writes really good tunes, picks great musicians, and is a talent to watch out for. The core of the lineup on Modern Memory is Abbasi on electric and acoustic guitars, Michael Formanek on double bass, and Tony Moreno on drums. On several selections, Gary Thomas joins on tenor (and flute), Tim Hagans on trumpet, and Scott Whitfield on trombone. The horns work well together, especially ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi: Modern Memory
by Glenn Astarita
Born in Pakistan and raised in the USA since the age of 3, guitarist Rez Abbasi is bona fide “jazz guitarist”, who displays characteristics that pay homage to traditional and modern jazz art-forms. However, Abbasi’s long standing interest in East Indian classical and popular music may subliminally lend itself to his sometimes-unorthodox phrasing, distinct harmonic construction and kaleidoscopic musical approach. On Modern Memory Abbasi demonstrates his ability to perform within the inside and is equally comfortable shedding some ...
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