(Review by Steve H)
Satoko Fujii is a
Japanese classically trained avant garde pianist, multi bandleader and
composer and that information is probably enough for you to decide whether you
will enjoy these CD’s or not. However if you are willing to
give ‘Free Jazz’ a go then I'm sure you will get a lot out of these
fascinating and intricate discs.
MA-DO – Time
Stands Still
Satoko Fujii (Piano); Natuski Tamura (Trumpet);
Norikatsu Koreyasu(Bass); Akira Horikoshi (Drums)
Due to the untimely
death at the age of 56 of bass player Norikatsu Koreyasu this is the quartet’s
third and final album. Many of the titles bear a relationship to time making
the album even more of a poignant memorial to the late bassist.
Setting off with Fortitude this has a scratching bass intro
before other instruments join in, shrill trumpet from Tamura (Fujii’s husband)
and then wild discordant piano playing from Fujii gets the whole thing going. North Wind and the Sun starts atmospherically before a
very lively trumpet solo takes it out. It then moves into a surprisingly
melodic and tuneful section before Fujii erupts with another wild
solo and concludes with some ferocious ensemble playing.
Time Flies is a showcase for the drumming of Horikoshi. Rolling Around is a slow short gentle minimalist
number with a wolf like feel to it. Set
The Clock Back is trumpet led
with some very wistful bass from the late Koreyasu. Broken Time is a slow burner which proceeds
into an exhilarating thrash followed by a quiet gentle passage before ending on a booming high. Time stands Still is a very sad haunting and
touching conclusion to not only this album but also to the recording career of
this fine quartet.
Satoko Fujii New Trio - Spring Storm
Satoko Fujii ( Piano);Todd Nicholson(Bass);Takshi Itani
(Drums)
Spring Storm is the trio’s debut album.
This album kicks off
the title song Spring Storm
a slow, quiet,
mellow, classical piano solo before bass and drums join in as the tempo and the
volume increases. It seems to change tack just about halfway through with a
more gentle almost melodic section before progressing to some high tempo
rousing activity by the ensemble. Convection has a plucked bass intro
leading into some rumbling
up tempo piano before progressing into a 100 mph gallop.
Fuki sees Fujii playing
wildly and exhilaratingly whilst her partners interject with subtle additions
climaxing with a raging drum solo. Next up is the oddly named Whirlwind as this is the least ‘stormy’ track on the
album! Maebure the longest piece features
Nicholson on a long, mournful, bowed bass introduction before Fujii and Itani burst in giving
us a driving tour de force. The mood than changes once again and the song
subsides to a melancholy close. The album concludes with Tremble. An andante
piano piece accompanied by
some very complimentary cymbal work by Itani.
If you’re looking for Summertime this album ain’t going to do it for
you but Spring Storm is an interesting, enjoyable and
worthwhile listen.
Steve H.
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