Atsushi Ikeda Quartet "Our Stories Pave the History of Humans" (Music Flower 2024)

Atsushi Ikeda 池田篤 - alto saxophone

Shogo Hamada 濱田省吾 - drums

Hiroshi Ikejiri  池尻 洋史 - bass

Yasumasa Kumagai 熊谷ヤスマサ - piano

"Sapiens Suite" starts off this impressive recording from longtime sax player Ikeda, and it's the perfect opener. It's a thoughtful intro with a straight-ahead, and yet intricately composed, vibe. If only homo sapiens were more sapient, it suggests, while accepting the humanity of humans at the same time. The suite of four songs at the beginning sets the tone of pensive musicality and stellar playing that continues throughout the eleven songs.

"A Long Drive of the Blues," the fifth cut, is more laid back and shows how much Ikeda has soaked up the blues. In Japan, the blues is sometimes taken as a way to kick back, and the musicians here are all enjoying themselves, but the feeling of searching set out in the opening suite continues. The blues becomes a map.

"Looking For Bird" shows Ikeda's longtime passion for Charlie Parker. It's an up-tempo exploration of contemporary jazz chords and phrasing, propelled by a ride cymbal that serves as an accelerator pedal, creating space for everyone to let loose and leave a lot of road behind.

"To You, Who Turned 14" is a lovely, melodic piece that has a gentleness that doesn't hide the savvy turns of phrase and stellar playing. This is a real quartet, one that plays together. The slower tunes show the musicians' affinity for the music's overall effect, not just its complexity or speed. Even a rollicking tune like "My Brothers,' with its exuberant soloing, has a maturity to it but still sounds youthful.

"For a Little Peace" is the perfect closer with its lyrical theme and easy flow. It's a sane, wise piece that bookends the opening "Sapiens Suite" with rich musical insight.

I've often heard Ikeda live with other musicians, but here he's found kindred souls who know how to bring out the best in his compositions. It's great to hear him play his own melodies, drawn from deep within his jazz and life experience. Every cut is jazz-like jazz that's sure to impress and offer the insight that comes from musical reflection.