Sound Remains Marks a New Chapter for Abbasi’s Acoustic Quintet, Featuring Master Percussionist Hasan Bakr
Rez Abbasi, the acclaimed guitarist and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, continues to push the boundaries of jazz with the release of Sound Remains, his latest album with the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quintet (RAAQ). Slated for release on June 6, 2025, via Whirlwind Recordings, Sound Remains brings a fresh dynamic to Abbasi’s long-standing ensemble, expanding their sound with the addition of master percussionist Hasan Bakr.
This marks the third album from the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quintet, following the success of Natural Selection and Intents and Purposes. The new album continues to showcase the synergy between Abbasi, vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Stephan Crump, and drummer Eric McPherson, while Bakr’s rich, Gullah-Geechee-inspired percussion adds an exciting new layer to the group's sound.
Acoustic Guitar Brilliance Meets Percussion Innovation
Abbasi, known for his innovative use of the steel-string acoustic guitar in jazz, uses this record to explore the intimate and emotive qualities of the instrument. The album captures Abbasi’s desire to return to his acoustic roots, where every note played on the guitar is accentuated by the organic interplay of the ensemble. Abbasi shares, “I wanted to reconnect with the intimacy of my acoustic group, where all I play is acoustic guitar. The addition of percussion improvisation with the band gave a new edge to my tunes.”
Sound Remains: A Journey of Presence and Mindfulness
Sound Remains is a deeply personal and reflective work, unfolding as a meditation suite that explores themes of presence, mindfulness, and the dissolution of ego-driven attachment. Abbasi, who has found peace and clarity through meditation, says, “When I reach that space, often the only thing that remains is sound.”
The album features a series of intricate compositions, with each track reflecting Abbasi's philosophical exploration of life’s impermanence and the deep emotional connection he shares with his band. Notable tracks include:
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“Presence”: A rolling 12/8 groove that showcases the interaction between guitar and vibes.
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“You Are”: A track where Bakr’s percussion propels Abbasi into an incandescent solo.
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“Folk’s Song”: A beautiful duet between guitar and vibes, serving as a tribute to Abbasi’s late mother, reflecting on the value of life in the face of mortality.
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“Spin Dream”: A rhythmic metaphor for the circular confusion of life, shifting between groove and swing.
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“Purity”: A soulful, uplifting track that closes the album with a gospel-like resonance.
The album also features a spontaneous interpretation of John Coltrane’s Lonnie’s Lament, performed on fretless guitar, showcasing the band’s fluid creativity and mutual musical empathy.
A Truly Special Recording
Abbasi speaks highly of his band’s collaborative effort in capturing Sound Remains. “Eric’s use of space complements Hasan’s rhythmic feel beautifully. Bill’s sound on vibes is uniquely his own, and Stephan’s presence on bass is commanding. We captured something truly special on this record.”
Sound Remains will be available in LP, CD, and digital formats, allowing listeners to experience the raw emotion and intricate musical interplay that defines this album.
About Rez Abbasi
Rez Abbasi is a multifaceted artist whose genre-defying approach to jazz has earned him recognition and praise from publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and NPR. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Abbasi has lived and studied in various cultural contexts, blending jazz with influences from classical music, Indian traditions, and beyond. His wide-ranging projects have earned him a place alongside jazz greats like Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny in DownBeat’s International Critics Poll.
With 17 albums to his name and numerous composition grants, Abbasi continues to forge new paths in jazz. His latest projects include Charm, a collaboration with sitarist Josh Feinberg, and Django-shift, a reimagining of Django Reinhardt's compositions. He also continues to expand his musical horizons with his long-standing group RAAQ and other exciting collaborations.
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