Recent Press from 2005

"Snake Charmer is, quite simply, a breakthrough
record, most likely one of 2005's more important releases. " - Allaboutjazz

"Both Abbasi's adroit soloing and his lean, evolving tunes are generated by exceptional reach and a very musical passion." - New York Press

"Invigorating and graceful playing, unpredictable and fascinating compositions... Abbasi is a rarity." - Jazziz

"One of the New York jazz scene's best-kept secrets..If you are a fan of Shakti, Trilok Gurtu, George Brooks and other world-jazz fusion masters, you will probably be knocked out by this record." Guitar Player Magazine



"Snake Charmer" is the first recording Abbasi has done that stresses his South Asian background. He was born on the Indian Sub-Continent, raised in the states and all along has been interested in Indian and Pakistani music along with studying jazz. The music here is a confluence of the two worlds meeting in an organic, substantial way. The core of the group is an guitar-organ-drums trio featuring the rising organist Gary Versace(John Scofield) and the exceptional drums and tabla playing of Danny Weiss(Kenny Werner). Special guests are the incomparable Dave Liebman on soprano sax and Juno Award winning Kiran Ahluwalia on Indian vocals. Rez also plays a hybrid sitar-guitar on two cuts. Renowned Jazz journalist Bill Milkowski writes:

"Snake Charmer is a fascinating and compelling hybrid of East and West...as organic as John Mclaughlin's Shakti, but with Abbasi's own sound."




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