Brandon Suarez: Introducing

Tenor saxophonist Brandon Suarez's Introducing showcases his vision of blending timeless elegance with youthful vitality. Inspired by jazz legends such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, Suarez approaches the Great American Songbook as both a guardian and a creative interpreter. His aim was to craft a classic vocal jazz atmosphere, full of warmth and immediacy, supported by the tenor saxophone and complemented by an energetic young rhythm section featuring pianist Tyler Henderson, bassist Caleb Tobocman and drummer Jacob Smith . In doing so, this project has grown beyond a simple debut; it functions as a tribute to the timeless power of song, swing and collaboration.

Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood on January 5, 2025, the session opens with Barry Harris' "Reets & I" with Suarez's commanding tone recalling the authority of Coleman Hawkins and the inventiveness of Lester Young. Henderson supplies strong single-note runs and rhythmic displacements, while Tobocman and Smith propel the tune with understated swing. Richard Rodgers' "Manhattan" follows as a straightforward ballad with Suarez's playing filled with declarative elegance and a compassionate tone. The rhythm section echoes the spirit of collaboration. On "I'll Never Be The Same," the quartet maintains a slow pace, allowing Suarez's horn to sing with vocal-like flexibility. Henderson's introspective voicings and Tobocman's sturdy bass lines reinforce the ballad mood. Meanwhile, Smith's brushes create a shimmering background.

The bop narrative unfolds with Charlie Parker's "Barbados." Suarez navigates Parker's lines swiftly, driven by Henderson's nimble comping. Smith handles shifting tempos with ideas and energy. "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face," written by Lerner & Loewe for the 1956 Broadway musical "My Fair Lady," showcases Suarez's talent for balancing lyricism and improvisation. His playing highlights his sensitivity to phrasing and melody, supported ably by Henderson's expressive piano work, weaving multiple strands of musical expression.

Concluding with "Stairway To The Stars" and "They Say It's Wonderful," both masterfully interpreted by baritone Johnny Hartman several decades ago, Suarez displays his deep love for classic vocal jazz. His tone is lush and resonant, almost crooning through the horn, as Henderson and Tobocman envelop the tunes in a velvety embrace, with Lewis's rhythmic accents tying everything together. In conclusion, this session is rooted in tradition yet vibrant with discovery.