Joe Sullivan: Rumours From The Soul

Three ballads and six up-tempo jaunts, all composed by the leader, make up the session. Picking up the flugelhorn for "Silent Sarah" and "The Last Wave," Sullivan emphasizes one of his strengths with a soft, pretty tone, accurate pitch and adequate breath support. The fluid and flexible manner with which he weaves a melody carries over to the trumpet as well; the title track, "Rumours From The Soul," is a drifting, dissonant ballad on which Sullivan blends his trumpet cries with the baritone and tenor saxophone team. It's quite refreshing.

"Irish Flame" features the tenor saxophone of Andre Leroux in a hot up-tempo romp that allows him to wail. Sullivan echoes that intensity with a trumpet solo, and bassist Mitchell maintains the pace. To emphasize and punctuate his solo, the bassist slaps his strings and pours out rapid-fire phrases. "Unfamiliar Surroundings" highlights the baritone saxophone work of Jean Frechette over a rhythmic blues-derived piece that serves to reveal a Mingus composer's influence. Leroux and Frechette battle each other on "La Danse des Maringouins" over another fascinating syncopated rhythmic piece. Since the label is from Canada, this recording may not be available everywhere, but Nu-Jazz Records can be contacted at (514) 485-5773 or via email at [email protected]. Recommended.

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