Musicians: Rob Susman (trombone), Jeff Scott (French horn), Eric Huff (alto sax), Rob Schwimmer (piano), Darren Soloman (acoustic and electric bass), Annette A. Aguilar (percussion), Dean Rickard (drums and percussion), The Imani Winds
Review:
Rob Susman, trombonist for little big band, Swingadelic, hails from New York. He has appeared in many music festivals around the world and has played with artists like Branford Marsalis, Tito Puente, Liza Minelli, Jay and the Americans and Neil Diamond. He has played and composed music for radio shows, television, music videos, and in Broadway pit orchestras.
Cofounder of the brass band, NoNoNonet, and the Symphonic Brass Alliance, he is the Brass Studies instructor for the NYU Department of Education.
This solo recording features seven original compositions and three covers. “Blooze!” really swings and highlights Rob Schwimmer on piano and Dean Rickard on drums. “Cool Daddy” is more laid back with a sizzling, sauntering, easy groove. “Between the Two” features some good percussion with a jaunty edge. “Aloneness” starts off soft and winsome, the horns taking a conversational or “inner dialogue-ish,” thoughtful tone. Small breaks of silence keep the mood steady throughout and accent the theme. “Tastes Like Chicken” is a funky jam. Susman’s trombone is jovial and fresh. Darren Soloman on bass is sly and bouncy. “Variations” showcases Susman’s skill and style in a quiet introduction that opens up into an all out blast. “Slide” is a playful, energetic cascade.
“Till There Was You” is brilliantly interpreted and “Basin Street Blues,” an Orleans style march, is hot and seductive. Nice arrangements. The last tune, Mingus’ “Ecclusiasitls” is another winner, packed with raw emotion and charged with subtle sophistication.
This record is a delightful display of jazz trombone, enhanced by some great solo performances throughout.
Tracks: Blooze!, Cool Daddy, Between The Two, Aloneness, Tastes Like Chicken, Variations, Slide, Till There Was You, Basin Street Blues, Ecclusiasitls.
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