Label: Sunnyside Records, 2023
Personnel - Yuhan Su: vibraphone; Caroline Davis: alto saxophone; Matt Mitchell: piano; Marty Kenney: bass; Dan Weiss: drums.
Yuhan Su, an emerging and classically-trained vibraphonist and composer hailing from Taiwan and currently based in New York, is known for pushing the boundaries of her art. In her fourth album, Liberated Gesture, she presents 10 original compositions inspired by personal experiences and the work of German-French artist Hans Hartung. Su collaborates with seasoned improvisers, including saxophonist Caroline Davis, keyboardist Matt Mitchell, and drummer Dan Weiss. Rounding out the fabulous quintet is bassist Marty Kenney, a member of Brian Krock’s Big Heart Machine and Steve Slagle Trio.
The track "Hi-Tech Pros and Cons" delves into Su's negative experience with iPhones, featuring a wild unison phrase announcing the propulsive force of a rhythm that advances with precise movements without ever feel stiff or mechanical. The staccato accompaniment creates a stark counterpoint, inspiring expressive solos from Davis, consistently elucidative in her ideas, and Su, who boasts a striking, definitive sound with exquisite note choices.
There’s an impressive consistency of lyrical melody over rich harmony, and that’s valid even when challenging tempos and unstoppable energy are on display. Such is the case of “Character”, a post-bop meets modern creative funk fusion that is among the standouts. “Didion”, dedicated to American writer Joan Didion, sounds a great deal freer as piano turbulence falls atop the groovy septuplet drumming of Weiss, who kills it on the kit all the way through. This disarming composition balances delicacy and wildness within a fluid, if tense, stream, with Mitchell's infectious piano work contributing to a dreamy atmosphere.
"Siren Days" draws inspiration from siren sounds during the first pandemic lockdown in New York, displaying an intuitive affinity for attractive revolving patterns. The catchy ostinato at the base motivates this energetic pulsation taken further on “Liberated Gesture III: Tightrope Walk“ via audaciously metered passages showcasing driving bass and drums in a beautiful lock. All compositions provide both challenges and opportunities for the soloists and the closer, “Hassan’s Fashion Magazine”, inspired by Moroccan photographer Hassan Hajjaj’s work, conjures something super fun - half-funk, half-swing - with an earnest call-and-response between Su and Mitchell.
The album also includes introspective pieces like “Naked Swimmer”, inspired by memories of a jump into an icy cold lake in Taiwan and featuring a bass solo, and “Liberated Gesture II: Arc”, where Su’s finely honed vibraphone work takes center stage.
Using the superlative talents of her peers to good advantage, Su commands this quintet with brilliancy, interspersing unflinching composed parts and free-spirited interplay in a bold yet accessible session that deserves recognition.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Hi-Tech Pros and Cons ► 02 - Character ► 06 - Siren Days