Michiyo Yagi, Tamaya Honda “Dōjō Vol.1”

八木美知依、本田珠也“道場　壱ノ巻”(IDIOLECT ID-05 / ボンバ・レコード2014)

Michiyo Yagi八木美知依­­­— Koto [Electric 21-String Koto], Koto [17-String Bass Koto], Electronics
Tamaya Honda本田珠也—drums, Percussion
Guests: Nils Petter Molvaer—trumpet (track 5, 8)
Paal Nilssen-Love—drums, percussion (track 4&7; panned left)

After the first listen to “Dojo,” I was pleased to see the old Japanese phrase that roughly translates as “Volume One.” Inside the powerful music these two intense musical personalities create on “Dojo” was so much more music just waiting to be set free. Moving from fluid free jazz to passages of pulsing beat-based improv, the duo pushes limits at every turn. And there are a lot of turns.

Yagi’s koto is electrified marvelously here, magnifying the inner resonance and subtle sounds of the instrument into a bigger sphere of possibility. She knows how to active the instrument, all the parts of it. Honda is the drummer of choice for a wide range of musicians who land in Tokyo regularly, because he knows how to propel just about anyone and anything into a higher range of expression.

Their pairing here propels them both into a fascinating sonic space. As if working out at a ‘dojo,’ the traditional name of sacred practice space for martial arts in Japan, the two get right to work. This is anything but practice, though. The idea of “working out” in Japan involves respect for tradition, serious focus, and staying in the moment. The duets, and several trios, pack those values, plus stunning musicianship, into every track. But at the same time, Yagi and Honda defy all those expected values in creative and compelling ways.

These free improvisations are perhaps more considered and directed than their live shows, where the songs extend as long as they need and uncharted directions are found, explored and moved beyond. But letting in the rather naturally composed elements makes the music just as engaging and provocative as the live shows.

The recording is also mastered with excellent sound quality, so the dynamics of both the loud, hard-played sections and light, delicate sections can be heard equally well. The addition of Molvaer and Nilssen-Love on several tracks makes this a must-have CD showcasing the best of Tokyo’s free jazz, with the right touch of international connection.

Live review of DojoMichiyo Yagi's "Seventeen" Review
www.michiyo-yagi.cocolog-nifty.comwww.japanimprov.com/myagi
https://www.facebook.com/Tamaya-Honda-416929038400828/

October 16, 2015