Jim Hall Influence Series ­ Part II
By Tim Cummiskey

     In this, our 2nd installment of the Jim Hall series, we’ll take a look at Hall’s influence on the solo conception of guitarists Mick Goodrick and John Abercrombie.
     The closest "relative" in the Jim Hall lineage of influence is Mick Goodrick, probably best remembered for his work with the Gary Burton quintet, and his great skill and unique approach to teaching.  Mick is currently on the Guitar faculty at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and maintains an international performing and recording career with the likes of Jerry Bergonzi, Steve Swallow, Jack DeJohnette and other jazz luminaries.  In his 1987 Hal Leonard publication The Advancing Guitarist,
Goodrick coherently lays out many of Jim Hall’s innovations and styles in a clear and systematic pedagogical format.
     One of the concepts in this book that reveals a clear influence from Jim Hall, is practicing scales, melodies, etc., in a linear (up and down a single string at a time) style, as opposed to the more conventional "position playing" approach.  Another important concept set forth in Goodrick’s book that has direct links to Hall’s style is the improvisational approach of developing melodic and motific ideas throughout a solo, in contrast to the approach of "running riffs" over chord progressions.
      The following phrase excerpts are from Mick Goodrick’s solo on the Jimmy Van Heusen standard "Like Someone in Love." The Hall stylistic characteristics are indicated above each respective phrase.
     John Abercrombie has been an innovative guitarist since his time with the Chico Hamilton quintet in the 60s, with his recordings with the groundbreaking Gateway Trio, with Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette, and his organ trio with Dan Wall and Adam Nussbaum.  John is also a member of the faculty of the New England Conservatory in Boston.
     In the case of John Abercrombie, the next guitarist in the Jim Hall family, Hall’s playing on the Sonny Rollins album "The Bridge" had a significant influence in the development of his style.  Another aspect of Abercrombie’s style that is derived from Him Hall’s influence is his lyrical melodic concept.
     The Abercrombie solo excerpts are from the same "Like Someone in Love" selection from the 1991 Harvie Swartz album, "Arrival."
     Abercrombie and Goodrick have collaborated before in many diverse musical contexts, and respect and admire each other.
     Stay tuned for the next installment, when we’ll see Hall’s influence on guitarists Pat Metheny and John Scofield.
 
Discography
Swartz, Harvie "Arrival" 63174-2 Novus.
"Like Someone in Love" ­Goodrick, Abercrombie.
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Guitarist Tim Cummiskey performs both as a leader and sideman throughout Central Ohio.  Tim is also a member of the Jazz Studies faculty at the Ohio State University and the Music faculty of Kenyon College.  Tim can be reached via e-mail at tcummiskey@cojazz.com. Please visit Tim’s website at www.tc7string.com.