Gateway
Released
Guitarist John Abercrombie left behind an indelible path through ECM’s history as bandleader, but the collective spirit of Gateway, his outfit with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, added another lane altogether. The muddiness of “Back-Woods Song” foreshadows the Bill Frisell sound, touching off a set of great variety that includes the rousing “May Dance” and the moody mastery of “Jamala” (all tunes by Holland). The epic conflagrations of “Sorcery I” (by DeJohnette) show a trio unafraid to let go. Those expecting the laid-back Abercrombie will be pleasantly surprised by the possibilities.