A Blue Time
Circle 9, 2026
9/10
The always impressive drummer Joe Syrian is joined by his octet for a fusion version of jazz that welcomes a couple of special guests.
The frisky mood of “Jordu” starts with Syrian’s crisp drums alongside Lorin Cohen’s precise bass and the rich sax, and “Agua de Beber” follows with Carl Maraghi’s warm bass lines amid Dave Riekenberg’s soulful tenor sax.
At the halfway point, “Black Magic Woman” enlists Luisito Quintero’s lively percussion that complements Paul Bollenbeck’s meticulous guitar licks, while “Charade” trims the pace back with Nick Marchlone’s light trumpet and Doug Beavers’ subtle trombone.
Landing late, “Sway” benefits from Boris Kozlov’s upbeat bass plus Syrian’s meticulous drumming, and “A Blue Time” exits with Tim Ries’ handling tenor sax and Adam Birnbaum’s piano making for an intimate finish.
A timeless effort that injects rock, pop, blues and Latin ideas into their distinct jazz formula, Lucy Yeghiazaryan’s vocals on a track add even more allure to this excellent covers album.
Travels well with: Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet- Secret Message; Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band- Arsenio And Beyond: Live At The Bronx Music Hall