Nao Takeuchi - "Live at Star Eyes"

(Kuku 2005)

One of the strangest things about the Japanese jazz scene is how few live recordings there are. Perhaps many Japanese are perfectionists who only want to release a studio-perfect CD or maybe fans would just rather go out and hear them play live. Whatever  the reason, it's a difference from other jazz scenes around the world. Takeuchi, though, is leaping right in with this CD to change all that. He knows how important it is to show the raw, direct energy of his live playing.

That makes for a great recording. Takeuchi is one of Japan's best sax players, and he is especially potent in a live setting. This CD nicely captures his immediacy, energy and invention. He feels comfortable in clubs, since he is playing there almost every night. This CD grabs that sense of comfort and runs with it. The band is there with him on this score. Goto on piano delivers one potent solo after the next, driving Takeuchi on every number. Etou on drums amazes, whether sitting back or jumping out, he's there at the right place every time. Shimada on bass, hits the low notes, and has a very modern touch. These are all players who know what playing to an audience means, and how incredible it can be.

The first number, "Dennis Charles," an original from Takeuchi, is given a jaunty rhythm with solid solos. On Jan Garbarek's "Mission," though, the group really comes together. This stately tune gives plenty of room to solo over a very dramatic set of chord changes. "So Many Stars" is no less a soloing opening, with everyone turning in lovely statements. "I Will Wait for You," really shines. The group all take clever solos, with Takeuchi digging deep for clever quotes of other songs and long, thoughtful creations. "Miles Mode" gets into Coltrane territory, and makes one itch for an entire live CD of similar material. Takeuchi has a predilection for Coltrane, something that should be caught live.

That will have to wait, though, as the CD stops at five, rather lengthy numbers. Live CDs often fail to capture the feel of the club most of all because of the sound. The mikes are not placed well, or the echo does come through. Here, the recording is especially fine, making the CD re-deliver the "live" feeling very nicely. That's a major plus in this day and age, when so many things get toned down. Takeuchi understands this and has made sure his recording captures exactly what he wants, which is just what most listeners want as well.