Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Dan McCarthy: City Abstract

Dan McCarthy: City Abstract

By Dan Bilawsky
October 14, 2019
View read count

The concept of homecoming is inextricably linked to the music that

Dan McCarthy

vibraphone
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Dan McCarthy presents on City Abstract. Recorded in May of 2019, shortly after he had returned to his native Toronto after fifteen years in New York, this date finds the vibraphonist bowing to two of his biggest influences: pianist

Carla Bley

piano
1938 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Carla Bley and vibraphonist

Gary Burton

vibraphone
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Burton. Those lodestars provide solid inspiration and clear direction for McCarthy, who works his way through originals and a few choice covers with a balanced approach that speaks both to strength and poise, and the romance embedded in the act of repatriation adds a touch of nostalgic allure to the music.

Teaming up with a trio of Canada's finest—guitarist

Ted Quinlan

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Ted Quinlan, bassist

Pat Collins

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Collins and drummer

Ted Warren

drums
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Ted Warren—McCarthy makes his presence felt immediately on "Bleyto (For Carla Bley)." This dynamic original finds Collins and Warren spurring their band mates on. McCarthy and Quinlan, riding the waves of energy produced from on low, spin intricate unison lines and deliver some serious solo statements. From there the vibraphonist dials it back a bit, first with a wide-eyed gaze at

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny's varicolored "Midwestern Nights Dream" that reaffirms the well-matched nature of McCarthy and Quinlan, and then with a sublimely mellow trip through

Keith Jarrett

piano
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Keith Jarrett's "Coral" that gives Collins a chance to shine. After delivering those two purely peaceable covers, McCarthy switches gears again, sending a clear message that finesse can be met with fire. "Go Berserk," an intense number in seven underscored by a persistent motif, burns deep during its brief lifespan.

As McCarthy moves past the swaying, straight-eighth "Sparrow Lake" occupying City Abstract's midpoint, the music looks toward more reflective and lyrical realms. "Other Things Of Less Consequence," wistful and warm as it is, proves to be one of the vibraphonist's standout compositions; Bley's "Utviklingssang" plays on a magnetic blend of introspective and seductive sentiments; and 'Thoughts And Reveries," with bossa nova inflections and a modernist's color scheme, flows on by. Then the album comes to a fitting end with "Desert Roads (For Gary Burton)." Alluding to that vibraphone pioneer's rides down country roads and other places, that number provides a solidly satisfying ending with an easy-going vibe and a touch of Southern rock in the mix.

It's tempting to say that the change of scenery has done Dan McCarthy some good, but the truth is that location may have little to do with his musical fortunes. It's a growth mindset that really deserves the credit. McCarthy keeps looking up and, in doing so, reaching new heights.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Bleyto (For Carla Bley); Midwestern Nights Dream: Coral; Go Berserk; Sparrow Lake; Other Things Of Less Consequence; Utviklingssang; Thoughts And Reveries; Desert Roads (For Gary Burton).

Personnel

Dan McCarthy

vibraphone

Dan McCarthy: vibraphone; Ted Quinlan: guitar; Pat Collins: bass; Ted Warren: drums.

Album information

Title: City Abstract | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Origin Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

The Real Blue
< Previous

Spectrum
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.