Jazzwise february 2008 (UK)

Jazzflits 450 (the last edition)English:In 2022, Susanne Alt recorded an album entitled Royality For Real, an album guided by the musical legacy of trumpeter Roy Hargrove. During this inspiring session with Roy's original rhythm section, much music was left unfinished. There was simply too much for one CD, and the pieces not selected turned out to be stunningly beautiful. Therefore, the CD Dark Horse is now being released, and it coincides with a CD launch on January 16th at the Bimhuis (Amsterdam). A selection has been made for the album with many funky, danceable tracks. It's the idiom that fits Susanne like a glove. It's not without reason that she is a star at dance festivals as a DJ and saxophonist, guaranteeing exuberant funky tunes. Her American backing trio has strong roots in acoustic jazz. James Hurt is a versatile keyboardist and has an impressive track record. Bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Willie Jones III were long members of Roy Hargrove's band. And you can hear that band's ability to blow the roof off in the tight interplay of this tandem. Susanne Alt has a winning combination with these musicians. The short studio conversations that follow the songs on the CD are enjoyable. Alt's wealth of musical ideas is evident from the fact that all the pieces are hers. All, no, one, is by Charlie Parker. Because pianist James Hurt was late for one of the sessions, Susanne played Parker's piece Au privave with Gerald and Willie as a trio. And they performed so beautifully that it earned a place of honor on this CD, Dark Horse. - Susanne Alt QuartetDelightVenus TunesYoung German, Amsterdam-based saxophonist and her band of Dutch scenesters will push all the right buttons for lovers of jazz with an accessible, sax-led R&B and boppy-fusion-base. (Stephen Graham) .