Mick Goodrick: In Pas(s)ing (Luminessence Series LP)

Mick Goodrick (1945-2022), whom DownBeat magazine praised in its review of this album as "technically one of the best guitarists ever", was a subtle master of the guitar and an equally restrained composer - both qualities clearly emerge on this only ECM recording under his own name. For "In Pas(s)ing", the guitarist, who made a significant contribution to Gary Burton's successful ECM album series of the 1970s, was supported by top-class accompanists: John Surman, heard here mainly on baritone saxophone, bassist Eddie Gomez and drumming legend Jack DeJohnette. In wide-open, lyrical interplay, the four improvisers unfold a quietly eruptive session full of filigree interaction and secretly memorable melodies. The album was recorded in November 1978 at Talent Studio in Oslo and produced by Manfred Eicher. Reissued as part of ECM's Luminessence series, "In Pas(s)ing" comes in a high-quality tip-on gatefold sleeve with new liner notes by Joel Harrison and photographs from the archive.