Is 39 Steps a good place to start with John Abercrombie?

Yes, 39 Steps is recommended as a starting point for new John Abercrombie listeners. A masterful blend of intricate melodies and fluid improvisation, showcasing Abercrombie's signature guitar work. By the time '39 Steps' was released in 2013, John Abercrombie was well-established in the jazz world, having released over a dozen albums since his debut in the 1970s. This album came as part of his ongoing exploration of contemporary jazz and is notable for its collaborative spirit, featuring musicians who have been part of his ensemble for years.

39 Steps works well if you're into dynamic journey with resolution, contemplative evening listening and intricate melodies for deep focus.

How many songs are on 39 Steps?

39 Steps has 10 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

39 Steps

John Abercrombie · 2013

59 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion

A masterful blend of intricate melodies and fluid improvisation, showcasing Abercrombie's signature guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Vertigo Start here — This opening track introduces the album's intricate arrangements and sets a contemplative tone that permeates throughout. The interplay between guitar and piano highlights Abercrombie's unique approach to melody.
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Bacharach — A tribute to Burt Bacharach’s songwriting, this track exemplifies Abercrombie's ability to reinterpret classic melodies within a modern jazz context, weaving complex harmonies and rhythms.
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39 Steps — As the title track, it encapsulates the essence of the album with its dynamic shifts and emotive solos, reflecting Abercrombie’s improvisational prowess and narrative style.
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Melancholy Baby — This piece stands out for its intimate atmosphere and lyrical guitar lines that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, showcasing Abercrombie's sensitivity as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled improvisation, though it doesn't redefine its genre.

What we noticed

The album features intricate guitar melodies that often intertwine with the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.
Several tracks include extended improvisational sections where the musicians explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written compositions.
The tempo varies significantly across the ten tracks, with some pieces maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down for reflective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with resolution
contemplative evening listening
intricate melodies for deep focus
wave-like pacing for reflection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality and sophistication in Abercrombie's later work.
Themes: intimate nostalgia· Bacharach reinterpretation· fluid improvisation
Career context: By the time '39 Steps' was released in 2013, John Abercrombie was well-established in the jazz world, having released over a dozen albums since his debut in the 1970s. This album came as part of his ongoing exploration of contemporary jazz and is notable for its collaborative spirit, featuring musicians who have been part of his ensemble for years.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· Bill Frisell· Larry Coryell

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Bacharach

The arrangement subtly shifts from a hopeful major tonality to a wistful minor key midway through.

This tonal shift enhances the emotional gravity of the piece, mirroring the complexities found in Bacharach's original compositions while allowing Abercrombie's voice to emerge distinctly.