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Rob Susman: Top Secret Lab
ByThe question is whether Susman's blend of old-school funk with more modern design might whet a listener's appetite. And the answer is, it most likely depends on who is listening. There is certainly much to admire, as Susman never leads the ensemble so far "out there" (even on his composition of that name) that the ties to traditional harmony, rhythm and stability are severed, and his charts are invariably well- drawn and accessible.
There are two charts with Latin overtones: "Erghen Diado" and Susman's "Burrito Malo"and they are among the session's high points, lyrically and rhythmically strong with sharp solos by soprano saxophonist Chris Hemingway ("Diado"), baritone Maximilian Schweiger ("Burrito"), and trumpeter (take your pick) Seneca Black and/or Chris Anderson on both numbers.
"Burrito Malo" leads to "Out There," on which Susman uses the theremin for ethereal effect. Additionally, there are trim solos by tenor Stan Killian and another unnamed trumpeter, underscoring drummer Yuichi Hirakawa's solid funky beat. Susman solos on the session's ballads, "This Time" and "When a Man Loves a Woman," and (with alto Hemingway) on the brassy and strident opener, "Tastes Like Chicken," while Jane Getter's raspy guitar shares center stage with Susman on the stuttering "East Side Infirmary" and "When a Man Loves a Woman."
For what it is, Top Secret Lab is very good. The nonet is on its toes, and Susman's charts, albeit more or less encased, are commendable. A treat for fans of jazz with a definite contemporary preference, in spite of its concise thirty-six-minute playing time.
Track Listing
Tastes Like Chicken; This Time; Erghen Diado; East Side Infirmary; Burrito Malo; Out There; When a Man Loves a Woman.
Personnel
Rob Susman
saxophone, baritoneSeneca Black
trumpetChris Anderson
tromboneStan Killian
saxophone, tenorChris Hemingway
saxophone, altoMaximilian Schweiger
saxophone, baritoneJane Getter
guitarDan Asher
bassYuichi Hirakawa
drumsAlbum information
Title: Top Secret Lab | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Rob Susman
Instrument: Saxophone, baritone
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