Timeless - John Abercrombie

Jun

24

Timeless - John Abercrombie

≡ Category: 1970s, Fusion, Reviews, Worth A Listen |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

WORTH A LISTEN

Rating:

There can never be too many recordings from the early 70s featuring keyboardist Jan Hammer. At the time, Hammer was simply on fire. On John Abercrombie’s Timeless, he’s featured on organ, synthesizer and piano. Too bad he had to be playing with guitarist John Abercrombie. I’m sorry, but no way is Abercrombie qualified to trade fours with Hammer. Abercrombie’s intonation is sloppy as heck. He misses the notes he’s aiming for half of the time. His note choices aren’t very interesting. He can’t even stay in rhythm.

Check out the fierce and uptempo Lungs. Abercrombie’s solos are embarassing. He’s the weakest link on his own date. He should be relegated to playing color, like he is on Dave Liebman’s Lookout Farm.

On the other hand, Jack DeJohnette is one of the great drummers, which helps to give Timeless some badly needed drive and swing.

Why on earth did Abercrombie want Jan Hammer to play on this date? Didn’t Abercrombie realize that Hammer’s hair-trigger accuracy would make Abercrombie look like a fool? Apparently not.

Thanks to Hammer and DeJohnette, Timeless has a pretty nifty sound. Listen to Hammer’s gorgeous acoustic piano on Ralph’s Piano Waltz. Too bad so much of Timeless is dominated by wanky guitar solos.

If you want to hear Hammer better showcased in a trio setting, check out Elvin Jones’ On The Mountain, which is absolutely killer.

For Jan Hammer fanatics, Timeless is worth owning. For everyone else, don’t bother.