Characters is a solo album by guitarist John Abercrombie that was recorded in 1977 and released by ECM in 1978.[2]
Reception
The AllMusic review by Robert Taylor gave the album 4 stars, stating, "Abercrombie makes excellent use of space within both his compositions and solos. Upon the first listen there may not appear to be very much here; however, this music needs to be absorbed over several listens to appreciate Abercrombie's brilliance."[3]The Penguin Guide to Jazz gave the album 3½ stars, stating, "Characters was Abercrombie's most overt manifesto and calling-card, a demonstration of styles and moods and, even at this point in his career, influences too."[4]The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide said, "a tremendous solo display of Abercrombie's acoustic/electric guitar and mandolin playing".[5]