Personnel includes: John Abercrombie (guitar); Mark Feldman (violin); Marc Johnson (upright bass); Joey Baron (drums).

Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York in December 2000.

Personnel: John Abercrombie (guitar); Mark Feldman (violin); Marc Johnson (double bass); Joey Baron (drums).

Liner Note Author: Deborah Feingold.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (12/2000).

Aided by an all-star band, John Abercombie makes it clear on CAT 'N' MOUSE exactly why he continues to be regarded as one of jazz's most creative and progressive guitarists. He's possessed not only of fearsome chops, but a finely honed textural sensibility that enables him to move from the slinky lines and feathery tones of the opening cut "A Nice Idea" to the forward-looking experimentalism of "Convolution" and post-bop firestorm of "Stop and Go" without missing a beat. Yoemanlike work is done as well by violinist Mark Feldman, whose purity of tone is matched only by his ceaseless originality and succinct phrasing. On the album's numerous contemplative tunes, it's a pleasure to hear Abercombie and Feldman's lines cris-crossing, creating spontaneous tone poems that bear beauty and invention in equal measure.

Entertainment Weekly (3/1/02, p.81) - "...contemporary jazz guitarist who employs deliberation rather than flash...darts skillfully from chamber-music delicacy to probing free-jazz improvisations to frontal attacks..." - Rating: B+

Down Beat (May 2002, p.63) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - "...Abercrombie makes it clear he's changing his musical landscape, shifting toward a more adventurous view. [He] seems to be seeking a somewhat more open-ended approach while stopping short of diving into the deep end..."

JazzTimes (5/02, p.155) - "...He certainly reinforces his own reputation as one of the most creative and expressive sidemen in jazz..."

Mojo (Publisher) (5/02, p.110) - "...A mysterious guitar and violin recital...even more haunting than his previous release..."