Syrian, Joe
Circle 9, 2026, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 32.2
Jazz Ruler Type: BigBand
Performance: 5
Sound: 4
Score: 98
O’s Notes: Drummer, arranger Joe Syrian leads his Detroit based Motor City Jazz Octet on A Blue Time, his latest release. The band is very talented, and many members shine during the session with unique arrangements of classic tunes. They serve up a taste of Brazil on “Agua De Beber” with a fine piano solo by Adam Birnbaum, followed by soulful vocals on “Teach Me Tonight” featuring Lucy Yeghiazaryan. Bassist Boris Kozlov opens “Norwegian Wood”, and guitarist Paul Bollenback stars on “Black Magic Woman. We also liked “Charade” with Carl Maraghi’s warm baritone sax lead. This is an enjoyable CD from start to finish!
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services