One of the hottest jazz-fusion albums of the past year, Secret Message is the 2024 release from the Detroit-area based Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet. Fans and critics alike have called Secret Message a feel-good kind of jazz album and for good reasons.

With 8 tracks, Secret Message features a range of songs most music fans know, and not just jazz fans. Covers of “Bye, Bye Blackbird” (from 1926), “This Masquerade” (the Leon Russell song from 1972), the Beatles “Here There And Everywhere” (from 1966) and “Night And Day” (Cole Porter’s classic from 1932) rub elbows with other much loved music classics. The only vocal track here “People Make The World Go Round” features vocals by guest artist Kenny Washington.

Skillful on the drum kit and as a band-leader, Joe gets excellent support from renowned jazz artists like Paul Bollenback (guitars), Adam Birnbaum (piano), Lorin Cohen (bass) and others, including a guest spot from vibraphonist Joe Locke.

Secret Message also features a full horn section, giving the album a distinctive mini-big band sound. There’s also a distinctive Latin music edge on several tracks, most notably on a take on Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” (from 1974)

Joe has openly admitted he loves rearranging pop standards for jazz big band and, while that is a never-ending quest for many jazzers, clearly the well will never run dry. If you’re looking for an upbeat, jazzy, mostly instrumental fusion album with hot horns, great drumming and the guitar expertise of Paul Bollenback and more, give a listen to Secret Message by Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet.

 

RMR speaks to Joe Syrian

RMR: Can you tell us how your latest album Secret Message compares with other recordings in your catalog as well as other albums you’ve played on over the years? What was your overall musical mission on this latest album?

Joe Syrian: Secret Message is the continuation of our four previous recordings. Our previous albums were actually very similar, we always attracted excellent musicians and I always have had an interest in seeking out excellent arrangements.

Rick Margitza (sax) and George Benson fulfilled the guest artist concept. However; the previous recordings were done at a friend’s home in a much more casual manner. I am proud of our previous recordings… they showcased our band and captured an important time in our lives.

Secret Message, recorded by my friends Chris Sulit of Trading 8’s studio and Doug Beavers of Circle 9, has resulted in a more accurate and more pleasing sound quality.

 

RMR: There’s such a wide cross-section of pop classics covered on Secret Message. Are these songs among your all-time? Some of the songs are lesser known, like your cover of “I Should Care” (from 1944) and “Star Eyes” (from 1943). How did you pick and choose what songs to cover on Secret Message? Do you consider yourself a musicologist?

Joe Syrian: I was very fortunate as a musician; I always had a job. I didn’t have jobs that were especially fancy, but I was always working. I usually played with musicians who were much older than I. My first job, at about 14, was a series of fashion shows for Crowley department stores. We played the music of the ‘60s Rock & Roll groups like the Monkees, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Rolling Stones, and the Turtles. It is funny to remember that stuff now, but it was cool then. Soon after that I was playing in wedding bands, again with musicians who were old enough to be my grandfather. These guys were swing era/jazz musicians. They taught me all the standard tunes along with the necessary dance rhythms like cha-cha, rumba, tango etc. I also played in many ethnic groups; from Italian to Ukrainian.

Meanwhile, in school I was playing in a marching band, jazz band, concert band, and musical theatre. All of these musical experiences stayed with me so I draw from music and musical ideas learned from a long line of musical influences.

In picking music for Secret Message I really just remembered music that I like, not really considering if it was a new song or an old song. The Octet has a library that extends back to the first jazz recordings of the “Original Dixie Land Jass Band”. Our library consists of 4 books, that is quite a lot of music.

 

RMR: Tell us how you worked with producer Doug Beavers and, what was the overall chemistry like between you, Doug and all the players? Doug is also part of your hot horn section. Was Secret Message cut live or did you do overdubs and editing?

Joe Syrian: Secret Message was recorded live with minimal editing. The drums, piano and bass were separated and the horns were in the main room of the studio. We could all see each other thru glass walls. I listened with headphones; I am not sure if all had headphones. Doug Beavers ran things and did a great job.

The session went easily with quite a bit of laughter and yet a very serious amount of underlying concentration. Much of the music was difficult but the guys made it sound very easy. The chemistry of the band was great, each member was outstanding. I was certainly inspired by them. We are all looking forward to the next engagement.

 

RMR: Secret Message is mostly instrumental but there is a pop vocal track here called “People Make The World Go Round” written by R&B legend Thom Bell. Tell us about your interest in that song and how you decided to add Kenny Washington on vocals. Joe Locke also adds in some great vibes. It’s a highlight. Would the song have also worked as an instrumental?

Joe Syrian: Doug Beavers and I were discussing the concept of having a guest artist. We started with the idea of “Motown”. Doug mentioned The Stylistics which brought us to “People”; something I remembered and liked.

Kenny Washington has the perfect voice for it and Joe Locke added the jazz. It just all fell into place. This added another dimension to the album, I love Kenny and Joe, super job!

The lyrics are very clever and important to this song, I think it was a necessity to keep them. I wouldn’t do this number as an instrumental piece.

 

RMR: Tell us about your cover of the Beatles “Here There And Everywhere”. The arrangement by Adam Birnbaum is quite contrapuntal. I didn’t realize the beat of that song was so adaptable as it was originally a very slow moving song. 

Joe Syrian: Adam Birnbaum deserves all the credit for “Here There And Everywhere.” We discussed arranging a Beatles tune in general, but all of the creative thinking was his. He also plays a wonderful unaccompanied solo on this piece. The Beatles music in general is quite flexible… I expect to use more of their music in the future.

All of our arrangers, Adam, Dave Hanson, David Berger, David Caffey, Doug Beavers and John Fedchok are first rate and outstanding musicians. Their contribution to the album is outstanding.

 

RMR: Tell us about your drum set on Secret Message. What make and model do you play and do you endorse a specific drum company?

Joe Syrian: I use and very much enjoy Yamaha drums. I am not an endorsee. I was very happy with the cymbal sounds of Secret Message. Every room size, carpet, light fixture, and surface material can affect a cymbal sound. So getting a good sound can sometimes be a real challenge. I am sure both Chris and Doug also added to the positive effect.

 

RMR: What other plans do you have for 2025 and beyond? Are you planning live concerts to promote the album and can you tell us something about what your live shows are like? Are you planning to follow up Secret Message with a new album, a DVD or a live album? Thank you Joe.

Joe Syrian: I sincerely hope your readers find our discussion interesting. Thank you for having me. The Motor City Jazz Octet has great plans to continue recording and we are looking to be a part of some future jazz festivals. Our performance goal is always to highlight great music from our unique perspective. Keep an eye on our website for soon to be announced performances.