Brandon Suarez: Introducing

CELLAR JAZZ (RELEASED SEPTEMBER 19, 2025)

Looking at the label, songs and musicians on a recording can give you an indication of what the music might sound like. Such is the case for Introducing from up-and-coming tenor player Brandon Suarez. Recorded on the Canadian Cellar Jazz label usually assures you of a well-played straight-ahead session. The tunes — all standard fare for jazz musicians — confirms that assumption. Lastly, a rhythm section of young players from the New York City jazz scene — Tyler Henderson on piano, Caleb Tobocman on bass and Jacob Smith on drums — all who have appeared on earlier Celler Jazz releases, reinforces the fact that this will be solid, swinging session of standards. It is just that. Nothing revolutionary. Nothing evolutionary. Just a set of well-chosen tunes, well played by a group of well-schooled young musicians. The quartet covers everything from bebop classics such as “Reets and I” and “Barbados” to classic ballads such as “I’ll Never Be the Same” and “They Say It’s Wonderful” to show tunes such as “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face” to chestnuts such as “Sunday” and “Manhattan.” On the up-tempo tunes, Suarez tends to emulate Johnny Griffin with solos packed with a flurry of well-placed notes. On the ballads, he takes a Dexter Gordon approach with a fluid and lyrical tone. It’s obvious that Suarez has been working with Henderson, Tobocman and Smith on a regular basis as they effortlessly glide through the tunes with ample solos for all and tight arrangements. Simply stated, Introducing is a pleasant release, but I wish it would have been a pleasant surprise. After all, according to jazz critic Whitney Balliet, surprise is what makes jazz exciting for the listener.

BOTTOM LINE: Four up-and-coming musicians tackle a set of ten standards on Introducing, Led by saxophonist Brandon Suarez, the quartet serves up fiery bebop tunes, tender ballads and some straight up swing. Although it’s a solid date, I will wait for something of more substance on their next recording.