In The Marketplace featuring Cindy Blackman

For this, his third CD, Detroit guitarist Abler continues on a mainstream jazz path with seven of his newest originals and a take on John Coltrane's "Naima." Using a hollow body electric, Abler's lean, untreated sound stays the same, or is extraordinarily consistent — you be the judge on that. He is clean, efficient, and swinging, hinting at Pat Metheny but leaving the shimmering tones to bandmates, pianist William Evans and, on four selections, vibist Rob Pipho, excellent musicians who should command your attention for their fine work on this recording.

Roles are clearly defined, the standard head-solo-head reprise format is strictly adhered to, and the guitarist utilizes economy in his own sound that translates to his band. Variations range from hot to mild bossa on "The Long Goodbye" and "End of the Rainbow," to ballads like "I Can Live Without It/Open for Suggestions" and "Naima," where Evans' beautiful phrasings stand out. It's the superlative rhythm section of Evans, bassist Marion Hayden, and New York drummer Cindy Blackman that drive through the changes of the upbeat numbers. "Night of the Following Day" and the title track, bookending the CD, with Pipho, Evans, and Abler's unison lines on the former, and the out-and-out swing of the latter punctuating the date. A bluesy "More for Joe" is a follow-up composition for one of Abler's biggest influences, saxophonist Joe Henderson.

Of his three CDs, you'd have to say this is his best, and the other two were quite well done. Perhaps this will attract attention from a major label, so that Abler's niche in the jazz marketplace can be more widely heard and appreciated. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi