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Album Description
Part of the new 'Touchstones' series of specially-priced and newly packaged albums from ECM's back catalogue. All featuring the original artwork and brand new packaging - double cardboard sleeves reminiscent of the original LPs.
An early ECM masterpiece from two American guitar legends, both of whom continue to record for the label over 30 years later, 'Sargasso Sea' explores both the acoustic and electric realms.
Recorded 1976
Personnel:
John Abercrombie - (electric and acoustic guitars), Ralph Towner - (12-string and classical guitars, piano)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The inspired combinaton of guitarists John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner helped make this one of the very finest jazz records of the 1970's and one of the strongest albums in the ECM catelogue.
Having acquired my copy many years ago, it is a frequent visitor to my CD player. Towner's acoustic guitar fits neatly in partnership with Abercrombie's electric instrument, although variety is added by the former switching to piano on one track and the latter also picking up his acoustic guitar too. As a rule, these guitar summits that were popular around this time often degenerated into boring demonstrations of technique. In keeping with the philosophy of producer Manfred Eicher, Towner and Abercrombie eschew this approach in favour of strong melodies and the close interaction of the musicians that draws out the best in both players. An air of romanticism hangs over this introspective record that gets better with every listen.
A fantastic record by two wonderul musicians at the peak of their craft. Unreservedly recommended.
Having acquired my copy many years ago, it is a frequent visitor to my CD player. Towner's acoustic guitar fits neatly in partnership with Abercrombie's electric instrument, although variety is added by the former switching to piano on one track and the latter also picking up his acoustic guitar too. As a rule, these guitar summits that were popular around this time often degenerated into boring demonstrations of technique. In keeping with the philosophy of producer Manfred Eicher, Towner and Abercrombie eschew this approach in favour of strong melodies and the close interaction of the musicians that draws out the best in both players. An air of romanticism hangs over this introspective record that gets better with every listen.
A fantastic record by two wonderul musicians at the peak of their craft. Unreservedly recommended.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This recording is very pleasing to listen to. Both guitarists complement each other better than any other duos I have heard. Their sound is always distinct from each other, creating interesting and atmospheric moods. This record is fresh and original and has a sense of adventure more often found in the earlier ECM records than the later ones.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
10 reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
It Works For Me
24 Aug 2004
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Two virtuosos, John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner, get the chance to explore eight of their own compositons (four by Abercrombie, two by Towner, and two by Abercrombie & Towner together.) An entire recording of often subtle guitar duets might have become dull, but Abercrombie and Towner each have a distinctive sound and this music works for me. I particularly enjoyed the sound of Abercrombie's electric guitar with Towner's acoustic one. Towner's occasional piano touches are also welcome. The compositions offer enough variety to help keep things interesting as well. Highlights are the lovely "Fable" and the appropriately mysterious "Sargasso Sea." This music was recorded in 1976. Five years later Abercrombie and Towner recorded another session of duets appropriately titled "Five Years Later." To my knowledge it has never been released on CD. It's about time it was.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
not nearly as bad as all that!
14 Jun 2001
Format:Audio CD
I think Bob W is being a little rough on this record; to my ear the contrasting sensibilities of Ralph & John give this record its color- Also, I rather enjoy the relatively casual feel of Sargasso, although I agree with Bob that Abercrombie has grown by leaps & bounds as a player in the ensuing years. Regarding the notion of hearing these 2 players have another go at it, they did just that 5 years later on the ECM LP "Five Years Later" and it is indeed a superior session. Inexplicably ECM have never, to my knowledge, reissued this 2nd duo album on cd. I've always wonder just why...
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Yes, 5 Stars--But where is "5 Years Later"?
27 Jan 2011
Format:Audio CD
This is a lovely album. Two of the best guitarists from ECM together. All I have is praise for it. But. BUT....Where is the better of their collaborations: The ECM "Five Years Later"? I can't understand why ECM hasn't released that outstanding album on CD. Lucky for some of us who have it still in LP form, it can still be heard. Believe me, it is even more evocative and lovely than "Sargasso Sea". (And that reminds me of another yet non-released CD from another fine guitarist, "Circle of the Sun", by Leo Kottke, with a cut titled "Sargasso Sea", which is a masterpiece also.) Come on you recording companies, get with it!
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