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Using their own inner rhythms, the overall sound becomes more textured reflection than a foot-tapping adventure, each song filled with measured beauty.
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.
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.
Suzuki shows his real depth here by leading this trio in just the right directions with the right balance of components.
Their release makes it feel it is long past time to get back to the always-improvise, never-improvise genius of those electric groups.
If there’s a more soulful, satisfying band in Tokyo than Aquapit I haven’t heard them yet.
Tanaka’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.
The compositions here become a launching pad for Shibusa Shirazu’s eclectic, wild, and energy-laden approach to collective improvisation on a large scale.
This version of Dvorak’s work might be one of the jazziest ever recorded, and also one of the most interestingly conceived.
The “suite” becomes not just six related songs, but a real journey into the musical self and the potential of music to connect across selves.
Her 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.
How many audiences are full of heavy metal addicts mixed with jazz piano trio fans? Only the Zek trio, surely!
Funk is so hard and so rarely done right, but Speaker Sgt. has nailed it on “Bad Baby City.”
This is Hara's best quartet recording yet. It’s music that sounds effortless and yet has a rippling, focused energy.
As the most consistently artistic, entertaining and impressive jazz singer in Tokyo, Charito has the depth of experience, and depth of emotion, to work with this top-notch trio. The CD is both a work in itself, and a record of the power so evident in her live shows.
Kuwabara shows her passionate, delicate and yet rock-solid—even manly—style of piano playing to great effect on every tune.
It’s rare that band members fit together so well and seem to take such great delight in the music they create as one. But that in-sync, easy-going, laid-back sound is a real treat, equal parts fun and intense.
This CD of big band jazz is quite unusual. Jazz musicians usually turn to passion or love affairs for inspiration, but this recording turns to Japanese history.
A few instruments and an endless supply of creative energy are what produce the best soundscapes.
EQ has been making straight-on, soul-satisfying jazz for a long time. This release finds them at the top of their game.
With a mixture of elegance and energy, the trio delivers ten originals that are a pleasure to listen to.