Nao Takeuchi - "Solo"

(Chitei Records 2003)

Saxophone solos are in some way a central component of jazz. So why not an entire CD of solo sax? Tenor saxophonist, flutist and bass clarinetist Nao Takeuchi took up the challenge. The opening rendition of "Love Me Tender" may at first elicit surprise, but it eases into a sustained and intense reflection on that well-known melody. Attention never flags on his extended solos as Takeuchi conjures up endlessly spiraling lines that pile in harmonic layers.