Su Su Nje – Daniel Susnjar

Daniel Susnjar’s debut album Su Su Nje was conceived after Daniel was introduced to Afro-Peruvian jazz for the first time in 2010. The result, however, is not merely a combination of two distinct styles but a true work of fusion, melding jazz and Afro-Peruvian rhythms into a perfect working harmony. Right from the first track, the album’s tone is set by a quick tempo and an intricate mesh of jazz and Afro-Peruvian elements.

The album features a mix of re-worked classic Peruvian songs alongside a handful of original pieces by Susnjar, whose percussion and slick rhythms are a constant throughout the record, and time and again he demonstrates his performative ability and clever arrangements.

Hailing from Perth, drummer and percussionist Daniel Susnjar has recorded and performed all over the world with all manner of illustrious collaborators, from Chick Corea to Pharrell Williams. His interest in Afro-Peruvian jazz led him overseas to Miami where he was a student at the University of Miami, first studying a Masters then adding a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Whilst completing his doctorate, Susnjar found the time to assemble a group of top musicians from New York, Miami and Peru to record Su Su Nje. He is joined on the album by trumpeter Alex Pope Norris, tenor Troy Roberts, bassist Sam Anning and Paul Bollenback from New York; from Miami, trombonist (and conch shell man) Chad Bernstein; and Peruvian musicians Gabriel Alegria, acoustic guitarist Yuri Juarez, Laura Andrea Leguia, and cajon player Freddy Huevito Lobaton.

Su Su Nje is available now as an independent release