Sun Is Us

Deidre Rodman shows herself to be an inspired pianist and composer on her Sunnyside debut, which features Tony Malaby on tenor sax, Loren Stillman on alto and soprano sax, Russ Johnson on trumpet, Bob Bowen on bass, and Ari Hoenig on drums. The all-original program has a narrative integrity that is quite remarkable; Rodman's harmonic sophistication and orchestrational know-how are everywhere evident. Ohad Talmor, the noted tenor saxophonist and arranger, produced the sparkling session. Rodman dips into the avant-garde most explicitly on "Sun Is Down," as well as the opening "Nuggets." There are hints of tango or march rhythms on "Roadlonely," "There Was a Time," and "B. Left," all of which ripple with lush ensemble writing and superb solos. Rhythmic jolts and surprises break up the funk feel of "Earthcurrents," and in a completely different way, the Jarrett-like folk mood of "Inside White." Trumpeter Russ Johnson joins the leader in a floating duet to begin the closing title track, paving the way for the band to enter in a soaring three/four. This is poetry with an edge, an initial gesture from a musician with the mark of potential greatness. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi