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Yuhan Su: A Room of One's Own

By Hrayr Attarian
September 16, 2015
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Vibraphonist and composer Yuhan Su's second release as a leader A Room Of One's Own is an intensely impressionistic work that captivates with its creative energy. Compared to her enchanting debut, Flying Alone (Inner Circle, 2012), the current album is more cohesive with the eleven tracks intricately interlinked. If her first was a series of charming poems around a common theme, her sophomore effort is a single, engaging novel in verse.

The mystical ambience of the sublime, three-movement "Valedicere" for instance, carries over directly from the disc's opener "Amulet." Hypnotic, darkly hued, rhythmic vamps mark the first section. Over these intriguing sonic swells trumpeter and flugelhorn player

Matt Holman

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Holman lets loose, long heady phrases. On the second part Holman dynamically climbs and descents the scales wit3h spontaneous passion. Su takes a thrilling and agile solo that nevertheless remains superbly melodic. Su and guitarist

Kenji Herbert

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenji Herbert open "Valedicere III" with a haunting duet while Holman plays mellow, bittersweet lines that float over the dense, percolating refrains.

The suite's ethereal lyricism continues to "No 13 Waltz" and envelopes the song. Su accompanies herself with her mallets as she sings softly an evocative lullaby. Her crystalline strikes resonate against Herbert's and bassist

Petros Klampanis

bass, acoustic
b.1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Petros Klampanis' shimmering strings.

Klampanis' lithe mellifluous improvisation enhances the melancholic ambience of "I Do Not Always Understand What You Say What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display II." The contemplative piece features Su's resonant, nocturnesque soliloquy that fades in and out of the spotlight. Drummer

Nathan Ellman-Bell

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Nathan Ellman-Bell enhances the cinematic atmosphere with his rustling brushes, reverberating cymbals and sparse beats. Holman's wistful, angular horn and Herbert's warm, swells of notes underscore the incandescence of the undulating melody.

On this intelligent and emotive record Su demonstrates that she has a mature and singular voice. One marked by ardent romanticism and pensive originality. She also emerges as a sensitive and clever bandleader allowing ample room for her sidemen's individuality while using them to augment her overall musical vision. A Room Of One's Own is delightful and stimulating as well as quite memorable. It is simultaneously edgy, inventive and accessible.

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Track Listing

Amulet; Valed��cere I; Valed��cere II; Valed��cere III; No 13 Waltz; All Kinds of Dreams; I Do Not Always Understand What You Say. What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display I; I Do Not Always Understand What You Say. What Is, Is By It's Nature On Display II; Painter's Mind; Freezing Point; Anti-Hunger Song.

Personnel

Yuhan Su

vibraphone

Yuhan Su: vibraphone, vocals; Matt Holman: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kenji Herbert: guitar; Petros Klampanis: bass; Nathan Ellman-Bell: drums.

Album information

Title: A Room of One's Own | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Inner Circle Music

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