Timeless

John Abercrombie Trio (1974) — A Masterclass in Atmospheric Fusion

The closing track of John Abercrombie’s 1975 ECM debut, “Timeless,” is less a conventional jazz fusion piece and more a definitive statement of a new aesthetic—one that manages to be simultaneously blistering and atmospheric. The 12-minute composition eschews the high-octane energy of the opener “Lungs” for a brooding, hypnotic soundscape.

Built upon Jan Hammer’s deep, sustained synthesizer chords, Abercrombie introduces his guitar with a series of mysterious volume swells and reverb-drenched phrases. His playing here is highly textural, using the decay and ambiance of the studio recording to paint a sonic world rather than relying on rapid-fire technical dexterity. It is a profound piece that captures the guitarist’s shift toward a more meditative, introspective style that would define his decades-long relationship with the ECM label.

This trio session—with former Mahavishnu Orchestra keyboardist Jan Hammer and legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette—is a masterclass in ensemble balance. Hammer’s use of the organ and synthesizer is essential, providing the piece with a church-like warmth and the foundational drone that allows Abercrombie to float above the structure. Crucially, DeJohnette’s drumming here is far from rhythmic timekeeping; he contributes in shimmering, coloristic layers, using cymbals and subtle percussion to drive momentum without ever imposing a heavy groove. The result is a piece that is as much about space and silence as it is about notes, capturing an ethereal ambiance where the boundaries between composition and improvisation dissolve, perfectly embodying the minimalist, yet emotionally rich, production standards of Manfred Eicher.

Performance Details

🎵 Genre: Jazz | 🎤 Performance Type: Studio