The first quartet Arcade; The John Abercrombie Quartet; M (2015)/ John Abercrombie & Richie Beirach & George Mraz & Peter Donald

This 3-CD set with recordings from 1978 to 1980, issued in ECM's acclaimed Old & New Masters series, returns some historically-important material to the catalogue, namely the albums 'Arcade', 'Abercrombie Quartet' and 'M'. The quartet with Richie Beirach, George Mraz and Peter Donald John Abercrombie's first touring band as a leader was the group in which the guitarist defined some priorities, moving away from a jazz-rock period into a more spacious, impressionistic and original music. Abercrombie and pianist Beirach had a strong musical rapport as improvisers and wrote almost all of the band's book between them. George Mraz and Peter Donald provided imaginative support. For this edition the recordings - produced by Manfred Eicher were re-mastered from original analog sources. It's a first appearance on CD for these discs in most world territories ('Arcade' was briefly available on CD in Japan) and re-release of these titles has been much requested by followers of Abercrombie and Beirach. (bron: ECM)