City Abstract

The Canadian vibraphonist Dan McCarthy likes to color outside the lines. For example, on 'Let's Start The Show' he introduced a banjo into his musical universe, while 'Constellation' was a duo album with pianist Gordon Webster, all about free improvisation. On 'Epoch' he was joined by Steve Swallow, Ben Monder and Mark Feldman. "City Abstract" is a logical and equally adventurous sequel to which he casually honors Carla Bley ("Bleyto") and Gary Burton ("Desert Roads"). An exuberant party of swing, fusion and postbop, including a ballad (Pat Metheny's 'Midwestern Nights Dream'), a bit more pop-tinted braces and a frayed version of Keith Jarrett's 'Coral', albeit melodically dressed. In short, a vibraphonist who uses a broad range of options.