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Title: UNFORTUNATELY, NOT THE BEST QUARTET
Review: The music on this release is meandering and uninspired...too much violin, not enough guitar. I really don't know what the appeal of a violin on a jazz album, especially with 2 other stringed instruments, has for some but for me it's grating. If you want to hear some INVOLVING quartet music, try the 1st quartet from the 70s (QUARTET, ARCADE or M) which unfortunately ECM, maddeningly, refuses to re-issue on CD (strangely, a gap in Abercrombie's catalog that may remain that way). Some of them can be found on Japanese imports but at premium prices. WHY? Who knows but John's in a rut here ... for some exciting recent Abercrombie, try STRUCTURES, a trio release from '06. Otherwise, pass on this.
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