While most associated with the avant-garde, Bobby Kapp has always been a versatile drummer with the desire to perform inventive new music. He commissioned pianist Richard Sussman, a composer with a unique voice of his own, to write a set of originals that would challenge the musicians. Synergy is the very successful result.

Sussman’s themes, while harmonically advanced, are often quite rhythmically catchy. With this brand new recording Synergy, Sussman continues his exploration of the integration of contemporary jazz harmonies and improvisation with avant-garde classical compositional techniques and instrumentation. He creates his own musical world of music that is melancholy but hopeful, mysterious yet ultimately logical.

On Synergy, Kapp and Sussman lead a septet comprised of tenor-saxophonist Abraham Burton, Aaron Irwin on clarinet and bass clarinet, violinist Zach Brock, John Clark on French Horn, bassist Harvie S, Richard Sussman on piano, and Bobby Kapp on drums. Conducted by Scott Reeves, the music is filled with colorful ensembles, concise but memorable solos, and fresh themes that reward repeated listening’s.

1. Tweed Boulevard (9:31)
2. Infinite Mobility (8:44)
3. Inner Space (7:14)
4. From the Heart (7:05)
5. Synergy (6:43)
6. Trance Dance (6:37)
7. Whirling Dervish (4:26)
8. Radioactive (4:53)

The album opens on the playfully perky Tweed Boulevard and then brings us the flightly Infinite Mobility, the dutifully earnest Inner Space and then we get brought forth the more impassioned From the Heart.

Along next is the joyously soaring Synergy and the more methodically sculpted Trance Dance, the recording rounding out on the swirlish Whirling Dervish, coming to a close on the resounding affluent Radioactive.

While they have had many musical experiences through the years, Synergy is a milestone in the careers of Bobby Kapp and Richard Sussman, a distinctive recording that will greatly interest listeners who enjoy thought-provoking modern jazz.

Musicians:
Bobby Kapp - Drums
Richard Sussman - Piano
Zach Brock - Violin
Aaron Irwin - Clarinet/Bs Clarinet
Abraham Burton - Tenor Sax
John Clark - French Horn
Harvie S - Bass

Official Bobby Kapp Website

Official Richard Sussman Website