Artist: Suresh Sigaratnam
Album: Lost in New York

Available on iTunes and Suresh’s Website

Lost in Thought and Beauty: Review #2 for The New Face of Jazz
by: Cicily Janus

In the realm of the jazz world, it seems that artists are categorized into two different streams: Those who can and those who can’t. But I think there’s a third category that often gets buried. There are those who know how to turn their sheer will and hard work into success. In his debut album as a jazz artist, Suresh Singaratnam, who has been known as a hot young talent in the classical trumpet world, has now succeeded on all counts. His charming personality and melodic style stands out on his freshman release titled, Lost in New York. This album is truly one graced with beauty and much thought. Many artists in the jazz community, especially for their first releases, often put together albums that are compiled of single standards instead of creating a whole experience. What Suresh created with original content and panache was a body of work that tells a story of transition into modern cutting edge jazz.

Suresh’s story is littered with a spectrum of voices in the writing as well as the soloists. The mood swing from track to track is complimentary and quite easy on the ears. Opening with an almost transporting beat that reminds me of the busy, gritty streets I’ve walked many a time in NY, Suresh’s track, Temporal Inclusions displays not only compositional chops but an impressive strength as a soloist. His sound, on this track and pretty much the rest of the album, is thicker than one might expect from a legit player. It’s one I could listen to on any occasion, a pleasing and deftly satisfying listen throughout with the main characteristics of sound best described as solid and even. I would think that by the talent he shows on this album, it seems that he’s defying the career path others expect of him. He’s as far from his “original” world as possible.

Yet each tune isn’t as gritty as Temporal. There’s a definite and eclectic sweetness to the tune, She Spoke Well. I believe I’ve played this track over a hundred times since I received the album. It’s a waltz for the senses and has the ability to bring a smile to one’s face within the first few bars. Tracks such as Chrysanthemum and Remnants of Eternity are equally as easy to ride with. The pureness that plays throughout the album is a welcomed voice. I can hear echos of Harrell in the writing of many tracks and can’t help but wonder if he’s a fan of Tom’s work. Charenee Wade, a vocalist whom I am a great fan of, brings her usual brilliance to the track, Spring for All But Me. I wouldn’t expect anything else from her. Although it seems as though the beginning of the track is slightly strained for the usual dark undertones I’ve heard in other performances of hers. This is quickly remedied by the second line and the rest of the track is fine. Suresh compliments her voice in a ethereal, haunting and thoughtful solo.

Another shining light on this album is the solo work of Jake Saslow. His name is not one I’m familiar with, but one I hope to be connected with in the near future. His sound is spot on for this project. The solo work he demonstrates throughout each tune as he weaves masterfully in and out of the expected rows, is surprising and beautiful. The rhythm section is equally as complimentary of these men. Overall, the feel and artistic statement Lost in New York creates is one that is whole and deserving of critical acclaim. This album is a great start for Suresh. His immersion into the jazz community is inevitable and one I greatly look forward to following.