City Abstract

Call me insular, but I've never thought Carla Bley got the respect and recognition she really deserved. As long as I'm complaining, I've never thought vibe fans have gotten the love they deserve. Here's one record that rights many wrongs. Inspired by classic Bley/Gary Burton collaborations and loaded with stunning vibe playing throughout, McCarthy comes home to Canada, rounds up some jazzbos that you are sure to be hearing from and tips the cap in all proper directions going so far as to cover Bley and a few of her ECM pals as well. Right in the pocket stuff without affection, McCarthy hammers his points home in fine fashion. A winner.