Roger Lin: Exploitation Suite

With the aim of presenting a realistic view of the New York jazz scene, rather than the romanticised view often portrayed, Exploitation Suite from guitarist Roger Lin seeks to explore the scene in a candid way, taking musical inspiration from his own experiences in the city. Lin, who was born in Taiwan, moved to New York after graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He performs frequently, both in the US and Taiwan.

There are nine tracks on the album, all composed by Lin. The Exploitation Suite itself is split in to three parts. For them. the line-up features pianist Moshe Elmakias, bassist Simón Willson and drummer Willis Edmundson. For the remaining six tracks, Lin is supported by bassist Isaac Levien, saxophonist Chaz Martineau and drummer Quinton Cain. The differing ensembles provide a saxophone and guitar quartet, a piano and guitar quartet and there is also a solo guitar track. This album follows on from Whisper of the Isolated Ones (Self-produced, 2020).

The first part of the suite, entitled "They'd Like To Support," opens with the quartet combining elegantly as Lin's guitar develops a mellow and melodic solo. Willson's bass provides elegant support as the intensity builds. The second part, "At Mount Stupid, At the Bottom of a Well," has guitar and Elmakias' piano in a conversation which ebbs and flows. This works particularly well, perhaps because Lin originally studied classical piano and his initial compositional work is often on the piano before transferring it to his guitar. Part III, "Resilience Against," has a strong melody, cinematic moments, a fine solo from Elmakias and builds in tempo and passion as Edmundson's drums drive the pace.

The tracks with the saxophone and guitar quartet share the same discerning arrangements as the suite. The gentle explorations of "Aliens in Capitalized Societies" has a late-night feel. Martineau's sax slides in so elegantly, the arrival is hardly noticed. "Shore on the Other Side" has a flowing sax solo leading into a fine Lin solo, with Levien and Cain excellent in support. Lin plays behind the beat in the bop of "Sneaky Bastards" and there is compelling interplay in "Strengths and Insecurities" as Martineau excels.

This immersive album also has time for a warm and melodic solo guitar track, "Etude 1 Ambitious and Ugly." Lin is a generous leader and allows time and space to each artist. This builds up a richness and variety in the musical texture which promotes repeated listens. Lin has a mellow tone, often using his precision in the upper register and keeping away from most effects. Overall this slow-burning album builds up a mosaic of elegant and contemporary arrangements which has much to recommend it.

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