Using their own inner rhythms, the overall sound becomes more textured reflection than a foot-tapping adventure, each song filled with measured beauty.
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It’s not question-and-answer so much as mutual meditation in jazz.
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The six musicians create a blend that is strong and exquisite, west coast cool jazz in one sense, and distinctive and fresh on every cut.
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In this age of mixed genres, it’s hard to be truly sui generis, but that’s what this recording is, and what it does superbly.
Read MoreSuzuki shows his real depth here by leading this trio in just the right directions with the right balance of components.
Read MoreTheir release makes it feel it is long past time to get back to the always-improvise, never-improvise genius of those electric groups.
Read MoreIf there’s a more soulful, satisfying band in Tokyo than Aquapit I haven’t heard them yet.
Read MoreTanaka’s trio recording is just what the best Japanese piano trios do so well--superb melodies, light touch, engaging and heartfelt tone, and superb acoustic sound.
Read MoreThe compositions here become a launching pad for Shibusa Shirazu’s eclectic, wild, and energy-laden approach to collective improvisation on a large scale.
Read MoreThis version of Dvorak’s work might be one of the jazziest ever recorded, and also one of the most interestingly conceived.
Read MoreThe “suite” becomes not just six related songs, but a real journey into the musical self and the potential of music to connect across selves.
Read MoreHer phrasing, tone and swing are the main part of her appeal, but the arrangements, material and backing put all her appeal into a beautiful setting.
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