Sound Remains
Whirlwind, 2025
9/10
The guitarist Rez Abbasi is joined by Bill Ware, Stephan Crump, Eric McPherson and Hasan Bakr for these 8 modern jazz tracks.
The rhythmic mood of “Presence” leads with Abbasi’s mesmerizing guitar alongside Ware’s animated vibes, and “You Are” continues that meticulous songwriting with Crump’s stunning bass work illuminating the lush climate.
“Folk’s Song” and “Spin Dream” arrive in the middle. The former makes great use of Abbasi’s colorful guitar amid cautious vibes, while the latter is a busier moment that’s populated by McPherson’s lively drums and Bakr’s strategic percussion.
Landing near the end, the rich and textured “Meet The Moment” offers the best tune, and “Purity” exits with cozy strumming, crisp drums and some rock gestures that suit the timeless jazz appeal.
An often introspective body of work, this 17th record from Abbasi might focus on acoustic guitar, but the quintet’s tremendous chemistry makes every track worth repeated visits.
Travels well with: Noah Haidu- Standards III; Julian Shore Trio- Sub Rosa