Rez Abbasi, Bill Ware, Stephan Crump, Eric McPherson & Hasan Bakr - Sound Remains (2025) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Time never stands still for a multifaceted creator like Rez Abbasi. His ever-evolving musical journey mirrors the changing currents of his life, from personal introspection to broader social landscapes observed from his New York home. A 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez’s 17th recording, Sound Remains, marks a return to the warmth and immediacy of the acoustic guitar with his long-standing ensemble, the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet (RAAQ).

On this album—the group’s third—Rez reunites with vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Stephan Crump, and drummer Eric McPherson, whose collective synergy has powered their previous acclaimed albums, Natural Selection and Intents and Purposes. This time, the lineup expands with master percussionist Hasan Bakr, who brings the deep-rooted rhythms of his Gullah-Geechee heritage, adding new layers of texture and interplay.

This sonic world has been beautifully realized on the album. Rez uses steel string acoustic guitars throughout the record - an unusual instrument in a jazz context and one that he has made his own. "I wanted to reconnect with the intimacy of my acoustic group where all I play is acoustic guitar. This time, however, the extra element of percussion improvising with the band, gave a new edge to my tunes - I was motivated by how Guillermo Franco, one of Hasan's teachers, played with the Keith Jarrett group."

A deeply personal work, Sound Remains unfolds as a meditation suite-each composition reflecting Rez's exploration of presence, mindfulness, and the dissolution of ego-driven attachment. "Meditation helps me align with the peace that comes from releasing perpetual desires and personal conditioning. When I reach that space, often the only thing that remains is sound."

Each original tune presents a series of intricate compositional ideas, powerfully realized by the natural empathy of the group and the emotional commitment of the performances. The title track 'Presence' establishes a rolling 12/8 groove over which guitar and vibes exchange ideas and phrases. On 'You Are' Hasan's percussion blends the subtle rhythms together that propel Rez into an incandescent solo. Keith Jarrett's 'Questar' receives a deeply expressive reading, while 'Folk's Song'-a mesmerizing duet between guitar and vibes serves as a heartfelt tribute to Rez's parents following his mother's passing, reflecting on how an awareness of mortality can paradoxically deepen one's appreciation for life. "After my mother's passing last year, the reality of impermanence hit close and hard. I had to dig deeper and aside from music, yogic teachings and meditation have helped me process the acceptance of impermanence. The album is dedicated to her."

Rhythmic brilliance shines on 'Spin Dream', a metaphor for life's circular confusion, shifting thrillingly between infectious groove and driving swing. A spontaneous interpretation of John Coltrane's 'Lonnie's Lament', played on fretless guitar, showcases the band's fluid creativity. 'Meet the Moment' offers a mantra-like reminder to stay present, with the advanced sectional composition building up to an intense climactic meeting of guitar and vibes, while 'Purity' closes the album with an uplifting, gospeltinged resonance.

Sound Remains is rich in depth and emotion, a testament to the profound connection between Rez and his band. "Eric's use of space complements Hasan's rhythmic feel beautifully. Bill's sound on vibes is uniquely his own. And Stephan's presence on bass is commanding. We captured something truly special on this record."

Tracklist:
01 Presence
02 You Are
03 Questar
04 Folk's Song
05 Spin Dream
06 Lonnie's Lament
07 Meet the Moment
08 Purity


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