Like
many guitar players, John Abercrombie often led an organ trio, but his music
was more contemplative than typically greasy soul jazz. Probably no other guitarist
has had as long and successful relationship with Manfred Eicher’s ECM record
label, but he still swung. In short, he was a true jazz original. The late,
great guitar hero takes stock of his life and career in Arno Oehri’s
documentary Open Land—Meeting John
Abercrombie (trailer
here), which screens during this year’s Queens World Film Festival.
Open Lands opens with
Abercrombie’s “Sad Song” playing over atmospheric scenes of Midtown Manhattan
by night. As far as the musician’s fans are concerned, the film could go on
like this forever, but Oehri soon shifts, introducing us to Abercrombie’s
comfortable home. This is actually quite significant in retrospect, because the
musician will later discuss in length the experience of being almost completely
wiped out when his house burned down a few short years prior.
Abercrombie
leads Oehri on a trip down memory lane, revisiting the nearby neighborhood of
his pleasant, lower middle-class youth. He discusses his early musical
experiences, but the highlight of the film is his vivid recollection of
recording “Timeless,” his “greatest hit.” In doing so, he expresses great love
and respect for Eicher and ECM (which is indeed an extraordinarily well-run
artist-focused company).
Along
the way, we also hear a good deal from Abercrombie’s last regular drummer and
organist, Adam Nussbaum and Gary Versace, who are thoughtful when it comes to
music and warmly affectionate when it comes to Abercrombie. Of course, the best
part is listening to them play. Hats off to Oehri and co-producer Oliver
Primus, because they totally got it. Unlike so many documentaries about
musicians that lack confidence in their subjects to hold viewer interest, they
include a full trio performance, with unedited solos from all trio members. It
sounds terrific.
Obviously,
Open Land takes on unexpectedly
bittersweet dimensions since Abercrombie passed away last year (a few months
after releasing his final ECM recording, Up
and Coming). Yet, there are never any uncomfortable moments in the
documentary, because Abercrombie always looks like he is in good health and good
spirits.
In
fact, this film is quite a blessing, documenting Abercrombie at the height of
his powers, for posterity. Throughout the film, Oehri shows a clear affinity
for the ECM aesthetic, often approximating the distant vistas of their album
cover art, while sampling Abercrombie’s considerable recorded archive. All in
all, it is an excellent tribute to a great artist. Let’s put it this way—it is
worth venturing all the way to Queens to see it. Very highly recommended, Open Land—Meeting John Abercrombie screens
this Friday (3/23) at the 2018 QWFF.