| It is easily the most accesible Sonny Simmons record to date - but by no way a record dealing with easiness. Suite For Simmons demonstrates abilities he hadn't had ANY chance to show and develop before producer Jon Klette had the intelligence had the intelligence to free him from - free music. A step further from The Traveller, Simmons develops a true "group sound" - to his own amazement, as the group he was introduced to in August 2005 was all new to him. But with a pianist who, in his own words, "brings back Bud Powell to life", a very apt rhythm sections layering a smooth cushion of lush melodies, he is now able to let his artistry evolve from the searching, moving, sometimes angry stream of consciousness-like pattern he is known for, to a more static environment, where he can focus on sound, on tones, and be heard as the fantastic performer he is.
The mood is somehow lyrical, with sudden accelerations. Svein Olav Herstad's composition goes through varied paths, whether his unit lays down almost angular themes that will sound very familiar to the fans (Part 3 with it's English horn driven vamp), or helps him unleash his instinctful fondness for scorching ballads. Once again, producer Jon Klette brings fresh air in Simmons' discography, succeeding in capturing his true sound while putting him in a context that will both surprise and satisfy all of those still following this ever-growing artist. |