Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Richard Sussman Quintet: Free Fall

109

The Richard Sussman Quintet: Free Fall

By

Sign in to view read count
The Richard Sussman Quintet: Free Fall
Originally released on “Inner City Records” in 1978, this reissue sounds as fresh and cutting-edge as just about anything that resembles contemporary mainstream/progressive jazz! Pianist, Richard Sussman sports a very impressive resume; evidenced by his work with “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” Buddy Rich, pop vocalist, Carly Simon, and others. Besides, he also composed a portion to the classic film, “Midnight Cowboy”. Here, the pianist enlists the tight rhythm section of bassist, Mike Richmond and drummer, Jeff Williams. However, we also get to hear the nascent talents of trumpeter, Tom Harrell, and tenor saxophonists, Larry Schneider and Jerry Bergonzi on this altogether radiantly recorded production.

Marked by Sussman’s craftily fabricated compositions and arrangements, this ensemble melds punchy horn charts with sweet melodies and buoyantly swinging rhythms witnessed on the opener, “Lady Of The Lake.” Whereas, on “Free Fall,” Williams sets the stage with a sweeping groove followed by Harrell’s blistering trumpet solo, while Schneider joins the trumpeter for heated, Bop-like choruses. Yet, the soloists alter the often-torrid flow via pert moments of free-jazz style intensity, although Sussman energizes the band into newfound territory thanks to his swirling arpeggios and fluid two-handed attack. The pianist also provides an intro to “Street Fair,” as the band subsequently kicks in a bustling groove, enhanced by Schneider (performing on flute) and Harrell’s softly stated choruses amid a rather jovial climate. Furthermore, the musicians commingle a straight four-rock pulse with Sussman’s understated R&B voicings and a simmering swing vamp on the closer, “Tiahuanaco.” Folks, small ensemble jazz doesn’t get much finer than this! Strongly recommended.

Double-Time Records

Track Listing

1.Lady Of The Lake 2.Free Fall 3.The River 4.Street Fair 5.Dance Of The Spheroids 6.Colors 7.Tiahuanaco

Personnel

Tom Harrell: trumpet & flugelhorn

Album information

Title: Free Fall | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Double-Time Jazz

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.