Gateway 2 is the 2nd album past times Gateway, a trio composed of John Abercrombie, Dave Holland in addition to Jack DeJohnette. It was recorded inward 1977 in addition to released on the ECM label inward 1978. The Allmusic review past times Scott Yanow states "the playing on the v grouping originals is to a greater extent than ofttimes than non to a greater extent than fiery than introspective. None of the private selections are all that memorable precisely the grouping improvising does convey enough of surprising moments".
In this era of tawdry sequels, it’s nigh hard to believe that John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, in addition to Jack DeJohnette could convey surpassed the profundity of 1975’s seminal Gateway. I say “almost” exclusively because each fellow member of this dream trio has notwithstanding to allow this committed listener downward in addition to ever comes to the studio bearing a handbasket alluvion alongside fresh ideas. Not exclusively produce the results of this 1978 follow-up non disappoint, they ascend into their ain category.
At commencement nosotros aren’t certain what to mean value inward the carefully executed half-sleep of the 16-minute “Opening.” Amid tinkling icicles Abercrombie’s guitar wavers to a higher house the bass equally it gradually forms intelligible words out of the scattered letters alongside which nosotros are confronted. The procedure is therefore intensely organic that nosotros abide by ourselves beingness lulled into its speech-like rhythms. As the snare becomes to a greater extent than forthcoming alongside its intentions, Kingdom of the Netherlands fleshes out its implications alongside a tantalizing loop, through which Abercrombie hooks his vocal alongside a audio that is wiry notwithstanding ethereal. Just equally engaging inward his supportive statements, he provides ornamentation for Kingdom of the Netherlands equally DeJohnette rides alongside tearing precision into a fine solo of his own. The steam of malleted cymbals condenses into the next “Reminiscence.” Kingdom of the Netherlands in addition to Abercrombie blend into a larger musical instrument inward this pensive rail that sounds similar the acoustic shadow of Pat Metheny’s “Midwestern Night Dream” (see Bright Size Life). “Sing Song” is around other dose of milk-and-honey goodness. Wonderfully nuanced drumming hither from DeJohnette uplifts fifty-fifty equally it placates. Meanwhile, Abercrombie leans dorsum into an ergonomic continuity that presently plateaus into an engaging plow from Holland, whose quintessential bass work inward “Nexus” opens the band to a limber display of virtuosity. Abercrombie is over again transcendent inward this tower of syncopation, from which trails the Rapunzel-like strands of a limitless creative cache. DeJohnette’s pianoforte turns “Blue” into an ending that is equally bitter equally it is sweet.
For those who haven’t heard this unit’s commencement album, I recommend doing therefore earlier settling into this one. Not because either is “better” than the other, precisely exclusively because the evolution betwixt the 2 is to a greater extent than readily appreciated when experienced chronologically. In whatever case, Gateway 2 is its ain beast that thrives best inward the habitat of our appreciation.
Track listing
1. "Opening" (John Abercrombie/Dave Holland/Jack DeJohnette) - 16:17
2. "Reminiscence" (Holland) - 4:32
3. "Sing Song" (Abercrombie) - 6:55
4. "Nexus" (Holland) - 7:55
5. "Blue" (DeJohnette) - 8:14
Recorded inward July 1977 at Talent Studio, Oslo, Norway
Personnel
John Abercrombie: electrical guitar, acoustic guitar, electrical mandolin
Jack DeJohnette: drums, piano
Dave Holland: bass
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