ProJazz.net

Solar is a studio jazz album by guitarists John Abercrombie and John Scofield.

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden:
Guitarists John Abercrombie and John Scofield join forces for these early-’80s sessions, mostly duets while occasionally adding bassist George Mraz and drummer Peter Donald. They delve into the jazz canon with an intricate duet of “Solar,” a driving, Latin-fused take of “Four on Six” (in which Abercrombie overdubs an electric mandolin), and a dreamy duo interpretation of “If You Could See Me Now.” The sole standard, “I Should Care,” fares just as well in their hands, which settles into a relaxed exchange between the two players as if they are playing for themselves alone. Scofield’s “Small Wonder” is scored for the quartet, a bristling post-bop vehicle with a feature for Mraz as well. Abercrombie’s introspective “Sing Song” best contrasts the styles of the two leaders, with the composer a bit more melodic and Scofield with a more brittle attack. This is an enjoyable CD that has stood the test of time very well (https://goo.gl/Ymbuq9).

Track listing:
1. “Solar” Miles Davis 4:10
2. “Even Steven” Abercrombie 6:51
3. “Four on Six” Wes Montgomery 6:25
4. “Sing Song” Abercrombie 6:22
5. “Small Wonder” John Scofield 6:21
6. “I Should Care” Sammy Cahn, Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston 6:39
7. “If You Could See Me Now” Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman 6:02
Total length: 42:35

Personnel:
John Abercrombie – guitar, electric mandolin
John Scofield – guitar
George Mraz – Bass
Peter Donald – drums

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Released: 1984
Recorded: May 1982, December 1983
Studio Music Annex Recording Studios, Menlo Park, CA.
Classic Sound Studios, New York City.
Length: 42:35
Label: Palo Alto Records PA 8031-N
Producer: Orrin Keepnews