Live at Sweet Rhythm

This CD was recorded live on June 20 and 21, 2003 at Sweet Rhythm in New York City. It is a celebration in every sense of the word. Famed jazz pianist Richard Sussman gathered his old group together from a period in 1978 when the Richard Sussman Quintet gained popularity and a vast following. After twenty-five years he re-assembled the same players and this recording is the result. This is no ordinary group of fine musicians, but instead this is an assemblage of men famous in their own right; Tom Harrell, trumpet, Jerry Bergonzi, tenor sax, Mike Richmond, bass, Jeff Williams, drums, and of course Richard Sussman, piano. Sussman wrote and arranged five of the seven songs (only 'What's New' and 'Soultrane' are by other composers).

The performance is so rich and well balanced and soulful that it seems only appropriate when we hear the audience applaud after each number: the feeling of what happens when jazz musicians really interact among themselves and to the response of a gathered group of music lovers is obvious - electric. It is especially exciting when a solo part by any of the five musicians is followed by comments and vocal response from those lucky enough to have been there.

But we're not there, just alone with this magnificent tribute to jazz by some of the finest musicians you will ever encounter. And it is repeatable at will. Welcome back to the old band!