Rez Abbasi - Sound Remains

Time never stands still for a multifaceted creator like Rez Abbasi. His ever-evolving musical journey mirrors the changing currents of his life, from personal introspection to broader social landscapes observed from his New York home. A 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, Rez’s 17th recording, Sound Remains, marks a return to the warmth and immediacy of the acoustic guitar with his long-standing ensemble, the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quartet (RAAQ).

On this album—the group’s third—Rez reunites with vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Stephan Crump, and drummer Eric McPherson, whose collective synergy has powered their previous acclaimed albums, Natural Selection and Intents and Purposes. This time, the lineup expands with master percussionist Hasan Bakr, who brings the deep-rooted rhythms of his Gullah-Geechee heritage, adding new layers of texture and interplay.

This sonic world has been beautifully realized on the album. Rez uses steel string acoustic guitars throughout the record - an unusual instrument in a jazz context and one that he has made his own. "I wanted to reconnect with the intimacy of my acoustic group where all I play is acoustic guitar. This time, however, the extra element of percussion improvising with the band, gave a new edge to my tunes - I was motivated by how Guillermo Franco, one of Hasan's teachers, played with the Keith Jarrett group."

A deeply personal work, Sound Remains unfolds as a meditation suite-each composition reflecting Rez's exploration of presence, mindfulness, and the dissolution of ego-driven attachment. "Meditation helps me align with the peace that comes from releasing perpetual desires and personal conditioning. When I reach that space, often the only thing that remains is sound."