No sooner had Dan McCarthy released his early 2019 release Epoch, then he returned again in late 2019 with a follow up album on Origin called City Abstract. Where Epoch, recorded in NYC, was kind of a star studded affair, complete with appearances of guitarist Ben Monder and bass legend Steve Swallow, the May 2019 recording of City Abstract finds Dan back in his home turf of Toronto Canada recording with his own band. Backing Dan’s excellent vibraphones and tracks on City Abstract is the rhythm section of Pat Collins (bass) and Ted Warren (drums). Even with such a strong rhythm section, the main attraction for fusion fans is the sizzling electric guitar work of Ted Quinlan, who sounds very inspired by Pat Metheny, offering some excellent leads and improvs of his own. Three covers here penned by Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett and Carla Bley sheds light on Dan’s musical intent. Also telling is the liner notes with dedications to Carla Bley and of course Dan’s main influence, vibraphone master Gary Burton. Fans of Burton and Bley should not miss City Abstract by vibes maestro Dan McCarthy.