November
John Abercrombie · 1992
69 min · 12 tracks · jazz fusion
A contemplative blend of jazz fusion and intricate melodies, showcasing Abercrombie's signature guitar work and lyrical improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Cat's Back Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Right Brain Patrol — This track exemplifies Abercrombie's innovative approach to harmony and rhythm, blending complex time signatures with melodic improvisation that highlights the band’s synergy.
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November — The title track stands out for its atmospheric quality and expressive guitar lines, encapsulating the reflective mood that permeates the album.
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Come Rain or Come Shine — Abercrombie's interpretation of this standard showcases his ability to transform familiar material into something fresh, highlighting emotional depth through nuanced phrasing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalAbercrombie's intricate guitar work and improvisation create a contemplative atmosphere throughout the album.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features intricate guitar melodies that are often accompanied by subtle keyboard and bass lines, creating a layered texture.
- Several tracks, such as 'Prelude' and 'November', utilize extended improvisation sections where the guitar takes center stage, allowing for lyrical expression.
- The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only a few tracks like 'Come Rain or Come Shine' introducing a more relaxed feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- intricate melodies for detail seekers
- serene afternoon listening experience
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward single tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — November is often cited for its sophisticated compositions and artistic depth.
- Themes
- introspective melodies· atmospheric guitar lines· lyrical improvisation
- Career context
- Released in 1992, November marks John Abercrombie's return to the ECM label after a brief hiatus from recording. By this time, he had already established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz and was exploring more introspective themes in his music, reflecting a mature phase of his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· Bill Frisell· Larry Coryell
Tracklist
- 1 The Cat's Back Start here 6:04
- 2 J.S. 6:26
- 3 Right Brain Patrol 9:00
- 4 Prelude 3:27
- 5 November 8:26
- 6 Rise and Fall 5:21
- 7 John's Waltz 5:40
- 8 Ogeda 4:40
- 9 Tuesday Afternoon 2:55
- 10 To Be 5:23
- 11 Come Rain or Come Shine 6:04
- 12 Big Music 5:40
What to play next
Arrival
1992
Continues the contemplative jazz fusion with rich melodies and guitar improvisation.
Upon a Time (John Abercrombie album)
1991
Sets the stage with similar intricate guitar work and emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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