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Yuhan Su: A Room of One's Own
ByThe mystical ambience of the sublime, three-movement "Valedicere" for instance, carries over directly from the disc's opener "Amulet." Hypnotic, darkly hued, rhythmic vamps mark the first section. Over these intriguing sonic swells trumpeter and flugelhorn player Matt Holman lets loose, long heady phrases. On the second part Holman dynamically climbs and descents the scales wit3h spontaneous passion. Su takes a thrilling and agile solo that nevertheless remains superbly melodic. Su and guitarist Kenji Herbert open "Valedicere III" with a haunting duet while Holman plays mellow, bittersweet lines that float over the dense, percolating refrains.
The suite's ethereal lyricism continues to "No 13 Waltz" and envelopes the song. Su accompanies herself with her mallets as she sings softly an evocative lullaby. Her crystalline strikes resonate against Herbert's and bassist Petros Klampanis' shimmering strings.
Klampanis' lithe mellifluous improvisation enhances the melancholic ambience of "I Do Not Always Understand What You Say What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display II." The contemplative piece features Su's resonant, nocturnesque soliloquy that fades in and out of the spotlight. Drummer Nathan Ellman-Bell enhances the cinematic atmosphere with his rustling brushes, reverberating cymbals and sparse beats. Holman's wistful, angular horn and Herbert's warm, swells of notes underscore the incandescence of the undulating melody.
On this intelligent and emotive record Su demonstrates that she has a mature and singular voice. One marked by ardent romanticism and pensive originality. She also emerges as a sensitive and clever bandleader allowing ample room for her sidemen's individuality while using them to augment her overall musical vision. A Room Of One's Own is delightful and stimulating as well as quite memorable. It is simultaneously edgy, inventive and accessible.
Track Listing
Amulet; Valedīcere I; Valedīcere II; Valedīcere III; No 13 Waltz; All Kinds of Dreams; I Do Not Always Understand What You Say. What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display I; I Do Not Always Understand What You Say. What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display II; Painter's Mind; Freezing Point; Anti-Hunger Song.
Personnel
Yuhan Su
vibraphoneYuhan Su: vibraphone, vocals; Matt Holman: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kenji Herbert: guitar; Petros Klampanis: bass; Nathan Ellman-Bell: drums.
Album information
Title: A Room of One's Own | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Inner Circle Music