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Jonathan Widran

JOE SYRIAN MOTOR CITY JAZZ OCTET, Secret Message

Secret Message, the splendidly era shifting, mood-swinging debut album by the Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Quartet, unleashes on the rest of the jazz loving public an excitement that fans in Detroit have been experiencing for a while as Syrian led quartets and octets have performed in the city’s premiere hot spots.


Though it’s called an Octet, it’s fascinating to note that Syrian draws from a well of nearly 30 musicians to fill the stage with his ever-grooving fire – testament to the ever-shifting schedules and availability of top local talent. Their website informs us that they’re the go-to band for whatever style of jazz people want at any given moment – from Dixieland, Jazz-Rock, swing and blues to bebop, Latin jazz and smooth jazz.


Even as they showcase a dynamic, seamless and spirited ensemble of veteran musicians at the top of their game, the eight selections on Secret Message reflect the incredible way astute and visionary jazz arrangers have re-interpreted pop standards in their own idiom for decades. And when we say decades here, we mean brilliantly recasting enduring popular jazz and rock era classics ranging from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 60s and 70s.


In just over 45 minutes, drummer and bandleader Syrian guides and propels his cats to imaginative and advenurous swings through the likes of “Bye Bye Blackbird” (highlighted by solos by pianist Adam Birnbaum and tenor saxman Tim Ries), Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” a hypnotic, Latinized twist on fellow Motor City native Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” and a seductive, brassy spin on Leon Russell’s “This Masquerade” that complements the romantic vibe with Ries’ blistering solo over a punchy horn section.


Syrian and company represent the 60’s with a peppy romp through The Beatles’ “Here There And Everywhere” and add to their majestic 70’s run bringing appropriately simmering soul to the Stylistics’ “People Make the World Go Round” featuring Kenny Washington’s passionate guest vocals.

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