John Abercrombie’s first New York City performance in 1970 with Dreams, a jazz-rock band led by Michael and Randy Brecker, created a sensation. Since then, in a career spanning more than 40 years and nearly 50 albums, John has established himself as one of the masters of the jazz guitar – a restless experimenter, working firmly within the jazz tradition while pushing the boundaries of meter and harmony. One of the most influential acoustic and electric guitarists, his recordings for ECM have helped to gradually define the label’s reputation as a jazz chamber musician. Although jazz-based, his style also displays a familiarity with forms ranging from folk and rock to Eastern and Western art music. Abercrombie began his career touring with organist Johnny Hammond and continued with Brecker Brothers. Since the 1970s, he has worked with Chico Hamilton, Gil Evans, Gato Barbieri, Billy Cobham and Ralph Towner, among others. His first album for the ECM label, “Timeless”, on which he was joined by Jan Hammer and Jack DeJohnette, received almost unanimous critical acclaim. Although he considers himself a player in the jazz guitar tradition of Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall, John is strongly influenced by the lyrical style of Bill Evans, and his music is charged with the eruptive melodic invention of Ornette Coleman. This range of influences and uncanny ability to blend tradition with innovation is seen in his highly distinctive compositions – which at best can be described as contemporary multi-linear chamber jazz. Renowned for his clear and dynamic style, John Abercrombie returns to lead a remarkable quartet consisting of Marc Copland on piano, Drew Gress on double bass and Joey Baron on drums.