Continuous Beat

Rez Abbasi belongs to an emerging group of second-generation Indian musicians, together with Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa. Won second place in the 2011 Down Beat Critics Poll, category Rising Star Guitarist. This prepossessing guitarist has made a string of worthy albums in recent years, and on Continuous Beat he connects with an especially responsive rhythm team of 15 years: bassist John Hébert and drummer Satoshi Takeishi. Their rapport, and the choice of repertoire, nods to the memory of Paul Motian, a master drummer and composer/bandleader with whom Abbasi had plans to collaborate before Motian s death in 2011.

Rez Abbasi has been forging new musical territory for over a decade. Continuous Beat (Enja) is his most daring recording as it captures him playing in an interactive setting throughout. In addition, Abbasi recontextualizes his Indian/Pakistani musical influences, as well as covers from Keith Jarrett and Thelonious Monk, by employing various electronics. With this multi-textural approach, there is a subtle coexistence between a warm jazz guitar trio and one that pushes perceptual bounds.