New York guitarist Rez Abbasi and his quartet (RAAQ) showcase captivating acoustic renditions of electrically charged jazz-rock classics from Weather Report, Return To Forever, Herbie Hancock, Mahavishnu and more!
A fluent guitarist whether playing electric or acoustic, Rez Abbasi delivers a pioneering album that challenges jazz convention with, 'Intents and Purposes', his fourth album to date. Performed with his celebrated group, RAAQ, the album re-imagines such '70s jazz-rock classics as Weather Report's 'Black Market', Tony Williams' 'There Comes A Time', Herbie Hancock's 'Butterfly' and Pat Martino's 'Joyous Lake'.
Far from a slavish sycophancy to a style of jazz that is now over 40 years old (and ripe for reappraisal), Abbasi, who had no interest in "fusion" as a young guitarist growing up in southern California, extracts the essential elements of these equally venerated and maligned jazz-rock gems, and transforms them into lithe acoustic vehicles for melodic exploration and improvisation.
"An amazing guitarist...unique and beautiful music - and best of all - very original...I'm really impressed." - Pat Metheny
"Great music - the writing and playing...and most of all, the concept." - David Liebman
Personnel: Rez Abbasi (guitars), Bill Ware (vibraphone), Stephan Crump (bass), Eric McPherson (drums)
