Bobby Kapp: Synergy

The subtitle of Synergy is "Bobby Kapp plays the music of Richard Sussman," which is true to some extent. To be more precise, drummer Kapp is at the heart of a septet, conducted by Scott Reeves, that features composer Sussman at the piano. So, while "Bobby Kapp plays" is technically correct, it does not represent the whole picture.

What is more, this is a group with a rather unusual front line of violin, clarinet, tenor sax and French horn. If in any way that hinders the expression of Sussman's forward-leaning compositions and charts (he wrote and arranged every number), it is not apparent, as everyone assumes a cooperative persona and works earnestly to help ensure the enterprise's success.

Kapp, now in his ninth decade and a key component in that success, more than holds his own among his younger colleagues, supporting well and taking a number of crisp solos. As for Sussman's music, it bears traces of Gil Evans, Lennie Tristano, Don Ellis, Jimmy Giuffre, Florian Ross and other modernists, but always with a fresh voice and unique posture whose singularity sets it apart.

Having that uncommon front line is clearly an asset as well. Speaking of which, French hornist John Clark is an impressive soloist, as are tenor saxophonist Abraham Burton, clarinetist Aaron Irwin, violinist Zach Brock, bassist Harvie S and Sussman himself. Even so, it is the evocative colors they display on Sussman's eclectic charts that lend the album its personality and charm.

Sussman writes allusive tone poems with titles such as "Infinite Mobility," "Inner Space," "Trance Dance" and "Radioactive," reliable indicators of his concept and purpose. It is one that Kapp heartily endorses, as do his partners in the septet. Their expertise and enthusiasm help raise Synergy above the norm, while lending credence to Knapp's decision to "play the music of Richard Sussman."