Top Secret Lab
Sus4music, 2023
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Rob Susman brings plenty of melodic and rich ideas to this Big Band listen that hosts some excellent players.
The bright brass of “Tastes Like Chicken” opens the listen with Yuichi Hirakawa’s lively drums complementing the festive delivery, and “This Time” follows with Susman’s hazy trombone injecting much soul into the cautious landscape.
Moving into the middle, “East Side Infirmary” benefits much from Chris Anderson’s radiant trumpet and Dan Asher’s playful bass, while “Out There” does flirt with some sci-fi gestures amid Chris Hemingway’s adventurous sax bouts.
The powerful “When A Man Loves A Woman” exits the listen, and it’s a thick display of dynamic and emotive horns alongside the charming and timeless demeanor.
This is Susman’s first recording as leader since 2002, and let’s hope he doesn’t wait so long next time, as his funky and swinging ideas sure are colorful and memorable.
Travels well with: Andy Pratt- Trio; Sam Ross- Live At The Mira Room Vol. II