Download
Rez Abbasi PressKit 
Rez Abbasi Interviewed at AAJ (2007)
Live
Radio Interview on WNYC SoundCheck [Listen] (2006)
New York Press Interview (Nov. 2006)
Bazaar Reviews
"Bazaar finds the excellent guitarist Rez Abbasi leading a tight combo through a brisk collection of elegantly unfolding Indo-fusion jazz charts.
The music is intricate but open-ended and the Indian flavors are refreshingly subtle throughout. There's plently to chew on here, even
after several listens. " - Global Rhythm Magazine
"Abbasi’s phrasing is chain-motific in the manner of, say, Ornette; he makes unusual connections and resolutions at the termini of his lines,
occasionally launching into scorching hyperdrive.
He and his genre-busting globe-trotters are doing us all a favor:
they’re asking where is the music? And in their attempt to improvise answers for us in a fusion and fission of cultural influences, they
challenge us to reconsider our own understandings of “East” and “West”. "
-
Thomas H. Greenland , All About Jazz (New York)
"Abbasi is penning killer compositions such as "You People," which is as musically rich as it is pensively cool. Bazaar is a heartfelt, provocative, and rewarding platter that just might rehab the once-edgy, now-besmirched image of fusion. Abbasi's the prime example of what it takes to have a genuinely global sound. "
- Mark Keresman, New Times Palm Beach
"Abbasi's jazz guitar playing puts him in the upper echelon of modern-day players. Bazaar is full of surprises and constant sound/color shifts that keep you interested even after many listens. The compositions are engaging and catchy and demonstrate once again that Abbasi has a unique perspective on music. "
- Dan Adler - Jazz Improv Magazine
* * * * 4 Stars - Jazzman Magazine (France)
"The eight originals on Bazaar are stimulating cultural crossover vehicles that hold interest throughout. This is complex and fascinating world fusion music traversing uncharted territory." 3.5 Stars out of 4
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Geoff Chapman - Toronto Star
"Abbasi provides plenty of musical intrique to amaze even the most seasoned guitar fan." - 20th Century Guitar
INTERVIEWS
Downbeat
Jazz
Improv
Now
Magazine
All
About Jazz
Georgia
Strait
Live Review on All About Jazz
Downloadable Album Reviews.............
"Miraculously, Abbasi gets it exactly right. Out of all the different elements arises a singular and distinctive statement with a wide expressive range on its own determined parameters carried by an abundant technique. Consequently the music convinces and enchants on every level." Snake Charmer ... Read the entire review
- All About Jazz
"One of the New York jazz scene's best-kept secrets..If you are a fan of Shakti, Trilok Gurtu and other world-jazz fusion masters, you will probably be knocked out by this record! " Snake Charmer
- Guitar Player Magazine
"One of the best examples yet of how to merge Indian music with jazz...Snake Charmer really breaks new ground."
- 20th Century Guitar
"In some regards, the guitarist and his band offer a post-millenium update on the
Mahavishnu Orchestra" Snake Charmer
- New York Times
"Abbasi's adroit soloing and lean, evolving tunes are generated by exceptional reach and a very musical passion." Snake Charmer
- New York Press
"Invigorating and graceful playing, unpredictable and fascinating compositions... Abbasi is a rarity. " Snake Charmer
-Jazziz
"Adventurous writing and hyper-advanced phrasing...Abbasi's group has a spontaneous, spacious feel and raw attack." Snake Charmer
-JazzTimes
"Out Of Body is an extremely impressive work, tremendous imagination and impressive technique." - Jazz Improv Magazine
"Out Of Body should reaffirm Abbasi's increasing stature within the modern jazz community, 4 Stars." - Downbeat
"Out Of Body is one of the most refreshing small group recordings in recent memory." Planet Jazz
"Intriguing grooves, gorgeous melodies." Out of Body
- JazzTimes
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" A fascinating mix of jazz - style improvising and eastern tonalities and rhythms." Snake Charmer - Stuart Broomer Editor-in-chief CODA
"Snake Charmer is one of the best albums of 2005. It certainly makes my list of the years top ten." - Jacques Emond (Director Ottawa JazzFestival)
'I have not uttered the word “WOW” during a new CD track for quite a while but I did during Snake Charmer. Go and get it !!!!" - Mark Robinson, George Fm 96.8; New Zealand
"Abbasi continues some of the ground-breaking work of plectrists such as Amancio D'Silva and John McLaughlin on this important work." Snake Charmer - Ejazznews
"Abbasi shows a high level of ability in merging the improvisational aspects of both jazz and
Indian improvisational forms. Highly recommended!" Snake Charmer - Louisville Music News
"Snake Charmer is, quite simply, a breakthrough record, both for Abbasi and for the fusing of jazz and ethnic concerns, with all its elements on clear display yet perfectly assimilated." - All About Jazz
"This is smart and unique music. Rez Abbasi infuses his playing and writing with elements from the east while never losing sight of jazz essentials. Anyone interested in the possibilities of the guitar in jazz should take a listen to what he has to say. " Out Of Body
- Jazzreview.com
"Abbasi is a fluent and inventive improviser who plays exciting solos."
Out of Body - Jazzwise
"This one's got something for everyone - guitar players, fans of erudite small group writing and arranging or maybe someone who just wants "in" on one of the top releases thus far this year" Out of Body
- All About Jazz
"Third Ear is a noteworthy effort from this jazz gunslinger who possesses an insatiable thirst for captivating the listener with his deeply personalized sound, gargantuan technique and intelligent compositions." * * * *
- All About Jazz
" Clever songwriting, total command of his guitar and strong support from a revved up ensemble make for an enjoyable and thoroughly intriguing listening experience." * * * * 1/2 Modern Memory
- All About Jazz
" An intricate, unpredictable, and cleanly recorded statement by one of New York's most virtuosic guitarists." * * * * 1/2 Out of Body
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All Music Guide
"Wildly imaginative, Out of Body is a must for your collection, guitar fan or no." - Toronto Star
"Modern Memory is brilliantly executed and highly recommended. Abbasi is on the forefront of modern jazz." - Fuse On Line
