New ECM CDs

[ejp626]

I have recently purchased Stanko's Suspended Night and Abercrombie's Class Trip. Both have similarities - kind of mellow, quiet, comtemplative CDs. I would say that Class Trip is more successful and a bit more varied. A few of the tracks have a little fire. There was a review (Jazz Times ?) of Suspended Night which I basically agree with that there isn't quite enough going on for the whole CD to work, though certain tracks are very good. I'll probably hang onto both, but I will clearly play the Abercrombie more. Just wondering about others' impressions.

Eric

[Guest akanalog]

the stanko gave me a headache because some of it was too slow for me. there was one movement on the album that really moved me though. but in general too contemplative.

[A Lark Ascending]

I love both of these.

With Stanko I prefer his late 90s albums but still think this is a beautiful band. Track 3 is mesmerising.

The Abercrombie is beautifully poised music.

But I'm approaching these as someone who grew into jazz via ECM; and someone with a parallel love for 20thC classical music and various European folk musics.

I suspect that listeners coming from a purer jazz background might not latch onto them quite so quickly.

Edited July 6, 2004 by Bev Stapleton

[tonym]

I have the Stanko and love it as much as 'Soul of Things'. A perfect follow up and a good reproduction of what they achieve live, although more focused and direct.

I wouldn't say that it's contemplative all the way through, even the 'quieter' tracks have a fire all of their own --- and that is the beauty of Stanko's trumpet sound; that crackle and 'edge'.

As yet I haven't shelled out for the Abercrombie but I would get it on the basis that I love the previous one he did, Cat n Mouse. Stretchy rhythms and some boppish heads in there, but overall just really beautiful playing from an ace band.

[sal]

I have and love both of them.

[GregK]

Any thought/comments on the new Arild Andersen disc, Triangle?

[GregK]

hello, anyone, Bueller?

[chris olivarez]

I got into John Abercrombie via some Gato Barbieri discs. I haven't bought much of anything with him on it in recent years but he's a guy I always leave the door open for.