Immigrant
Tuzu Kuru, 2023
8/10
The Turkish singer Fuat Tuac found much success in the thriving Canadian jazz scene, and his recorded output has reflected his success on stage. On this sophomore album, he discusses his own journey of immigration, and he’s in the company of some of Canada’s finest for 11 rich tracks.
“Stay” opens the listen with Tuac’s very expressive, deep voice alongside Jordan O’Connor’s precise bass plucking, and “Chez Moi”, a duet with Kim Richardson, follows with Eric West’s frisky drums complementing the cultured singing.
The title track arrives in the middle, and allows Tuac’s smooth voice that makes great use of Eric St-Laurent’s cozy guitar, while “Long & Winding Road” uses the rhythm section strategically amid Kevin Turcotte’s very vibrant trumpet playing.
Close to the end, “La Rua Madureira” finds an intimate place to reside with its dreamy textures and poetic singing, and the duet “Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayim” exits with Yesim Akin’s gorgeous voice and the hazy trumpet making an indelible impression.
A very emotionally aware, worldly listen that touches on many different ideas of jazz, Tuac and company make for a listen that will speak to anyone who embraces all the differences of humans on this planet.
Travels well with: Eric Lilley Trio- Three; David Larsen- The Peplowski Project