Jun Iida (trumpet, vocals, composer); Zelda Harris (vocals); Chris
McCarthy (piano, Rhodes); Masami Kuroki (guitar); Giulio Xavier Cetto (basses);
Jongkuk Kim (drums); Takafumi Nikaido (congas)
With Bellflower, his second album, trumpeter/composer Jun Iida (Joon-Ee-da) presents us with a collage of his musical reminiscences, brilliant tonal statements and sensitive musical observations. It gives us ten original tracks, nine of which emanate from Iida’s pen and all superbly performed by Iida and his cadre of outstanding musicians,
The
opener, Rivers and Bridges, is an up-tempo statement and a musical acknowledgement
of Pittsburgh, where Iida grew up. The composition and Iida’s inventive solo encompass
shades of both his Japanese heritage and jazz blues. Fine solos here from guitarist
Masami Kuroki and pianist Chris McCarthy. Giulio Xavier Cetto’s bouncing bass intros
Hoturu Nights into play with Iida offering the melody over a hip-hopping
groove. This is an extremely hip track. The Final View is another keenly
rhythmic, jaunty cut. The three-note motif is a take on Japanese DJ Nujabes’
sample from Alex North’s The Love Theme from ‘Spartacus,’ a favorite of many
jazz players and a tune which Iida recorded on his fine debut album, Evergreen
(OA2 Records, 2024) An exotic track, the
rhythm section pulsates throughout and Iida and McCarthy deliver fine rides. Next
Time offers up Iida’s gorgeous tone on a lovely bossa-ballad. There are
shades of Roy Hargrove here, especially on Iida’s solo. It’s a marvelous Johnny
Mandel-like composition and a highlight. Marco the Phoenix barks Giulio
Xavier Netto’s bass before springing into a festive samba-like cooker. The rhythm section here wails. Another
terrific track this.
Iida’s
compositional approach is elegantly simple and refined, offering himself and his
musicians ample opportunity to explore improvisationally. Melodies are
approachable and “speak” to the listener. As a trumpeter, Iida is a tale-teller
well in command. His horn can bark and soothe across the playing spectrum. With
an improvisational style that hits historically from the straight-ahead boppers
to the more modern players while subtly exhibiting shades of his Asian heritage,
he shows he’s got roots to his toots. The supporting players on this album all
perform with vigor, involvement and great spirit. One can tell that this group,
Iida’s road and performing band have honed things to diamond brilliance.
Will
They Remember? Is an interesting offering with Iida
looping a droning a two-note phrase while vocalist Zelda Harris narrates in a robotic,
spooky take. It’s an interesting meld and the most freely expressive track on
the date. No Scuffs is a killer hard bop offering with Woody Shaw
overtones. A burner, there are great solos here from McCarthy’s Rhodes and Cetto’s
bass Jongkuk Kim’s drums splatter
intense rhythms throughout. It’s a cooker of a track. Iida’s glorious ballad, Chasing
Peace presents a melody that reminds this listener of another Pittsburgher’s
writing, one Billy Strayhorn. It’s a slow statement, magnificently presented by
the trumpeter. It is arguably the most beautiful track on the album. Bellflower,
ends the date with Iida’s horn skipping through the infectious, triple-metered melody
with childlike innocence. There’s an optimistic vision at play here and a
wonderful way to close things out.
Bellflower
is a superlative and highly engaging album. Jun Iida once again validates that
he is performer, composer and leader of significant talent and vision. His supporting
cast are all terrific and the production values are excellent. This Bellflower
rings. It is a joy and one of the best albums of which I have had the pleasure
of listening and reviewing this year. Nick
Mondello
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