Joe Syrian's Motor City Jazz Octet: Sanctuary

Joe Syrian's Motor City Jazz Octet gathers the some of the best jazz musicians in the Detroit metropolitan area. Their new album Sanctuary is a rather short affair but is of high quality nonetheless. The octet varies in its lineup and on this recording the players are Steve Wood (tenor sax, flute), Jimmy Smith (trumpet), Mike Rumbell (trombone), Mark Berger (baritone and alto sax), Gary Schunk (keyboards), Steve Carryer (guitar), Don Lewandowski (bass), Andrew Lloyd (bass) and Joe Syrian (drums).

The music presented on Sanctuary is melodic classic jazz that is superbly played with nice solos from all involved. The lyrical guitar solo in "When I Fall in Love" and the piano solo in the Gershwin standard "Embraceable You" immediately come to mind. Other highlights include the Latin tinged drumming in "All Or Nothing At All" and the smooth electric piano and percussion in a completely jazzified version of "Come Together". Trumpet, sax and trombone dominate the Stevie Wonder classic "Sir Duke" offering a fresh and unique take but is still instantly recognizable with its unmistakable melody and horn arrangement.

Although only thirty-one minutes long, the melodies and solos are top notch with nary a wasted note. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Come Together
2. All Or Nothing At All
3. Embraceable You
4. When I Fall in Love
5. Sir Duke
6. Darn That Dream

Added: July 30th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1431
Language: english

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