Monarch Magazine reviews THE SUSTAIN OF MEMORY

"​...Sun’s intellectual and technical rigor are matched by his ability to write profoundly expressive music"

Luxury lifestyle magazine Monarch reviewed The Sustain of Memory in their Winter 2019 issue. Read the full text below.

Review of The Sustain of Memory
Monarch Magazine
Winter 2019

​After the release of his first excellent recording Trio, saxophonist and composer Kevin Sun established himself as an artist to watch. Second acts are always hard, but Sun’s sophomore release not only matches his early promise, it exceeds expectations. The double album, which showcases three extended compositions for trio, quartet and quintet, mines the range of the small-group format in new and visionary ways. “The Middle of Tensions,” the record’s first piece, is heavily influenced by Sun’s interest in the realm of creative, improvised music. “Circle, Line” gives us a dozen sonically intriguing short movements with the trio of players trying all manner of instrumental combinations. The record’s last piece is the mammoth “The Rigors of Love.” Taking up the entire second disc, the three-movement work shows that Sun’s intellectual and technical rigor are matched by his ability to write profoundly expressive music. The complex piece’s textures, colors and moods unfold with an emotional resonance that strikes deep. The Sustain of Memory is a transportive album bolstered by tight ensemble work, sensitivity of execution, and a truly original compositional voice. It’s a fine piece of work by one of the younger generation of jazz’s most innovative artists and bodes well for the music to come.