Is Emerald City a good place to start with John Abercrombie?

Yes, Emerald City is recommended as a starting point for new John Abercrombie listeners. A seamless blend of intricate guitar lines and ethereal keyboard textures creates a mesmerizing landscape of contemporary jazz. Emerald City is John Abercrombie's eighth studio album, released during a prolific period in his career when he was exploring deeper jazz fusion elements. Following his 1986 album, The Third Quartet, this record showcases Abercrombie's evolving sound alongside pianist Richie Beirach, marking a significant collaboration that would influence his subsequent works.

Who is Emerald City for?

Emerald City works well if you're into wave-like dynamic explorations, intricate melodies for deep listening and evocative soundscapes for reflection.

How many songs are on Emerald City?

Emerald City has 6 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Emerald City

John Abercrombie · 1987

47 min · 6 tracks · jazz fusion

A seamless blend of intricate guitar lines and ethereal keyboard textures creates a mesmerizing landscape of contemporary jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Odin Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Emerald City — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its lyrical guitar melodies and atmospheric piano, inviting listeners into its rich soundscape.
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On Overgrown Paths — This expansive piece highlights Abercrombie’s ability to weave complex themes through dynamic interplay between guitar and piano, showcasing masterful improvisation.
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Carnival Suspone — At just over three minutes, this track delivers a unique rhythmic playfulness, demonstrating Abercrombie’s knack for concise yet impactful composition.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like dynamic explorations
intricate melodies for deep listening
evocative soundscapes for reflection
patient unfolding with resolution

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Innovative compositions and improvisational depth mark this as a high point in Abercrombie's career.
Themes: ethereal soundscapes· improvisational dialogue· jazz fusion exploration
Career context: Emerald City is John Abercrombie's eighth studio album, released during a prolific period in his career when he was exploring deeper jazz fusion elements. Following his 1986 album, The Third Quartet, this record showcases Abercrombie's evolving sound alongside pianist Richie Beirach, marking a significant collaboration that would influence his subsequent works.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· Bill Frisell· Larry Coryell