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Highly regarded among guitarists and other musicians for his virtuosity and dedication, New York guitarist Ben Monder assembled a program of original compositions, including three solo pieces, for his debut CD as a leader. Rooted in jazz improvisation, his music integrates wide-ranging influences, notably twentieth century classical (Bartok, Stravinsky, Carter) and rock, reflecting his experiences as a player and listener. The trio explores forms and textures, elaborating Monder's evocative melodies and distinctive harmonic language, often sweetly dissonant. The solo works, which are through-composed, guitaristic, and rhythmically challenging, sometimes bring to mind the complexity-within-simplicity and cyclic feel of process music. Monder plays electric guitar throughout but doesn't employ a panoply of effects; rather, his tone and attack bear the authority of one who has honed his approach to concentrate on the essential.

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Sales Points

• For fans of John Abercrombie and Bill Frisell

Press Quotes

...ideas seem to flow inexhaustibly from the trio...there are moments when all three men seem to be moving in different but excitingly complementary directions.

     —Richard Cook & Brian Morton, Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings, 9th ed.

**** Monder's rock influences persevere, though his solo pieces display a unique, often astonishing technique that transcends style. His pristine tone, combined with sophisticated ideas, makes him a musician to watch.

     —Steven A. Loewy, Allmusic.com

Terrific...Ben Monder is a find, a versatile musician [who] plays effectively in several modes [with] beautiful tone and articulate phrasing...

     —Jon Andrews, DownBeat