EQ “Third Report”

(Aosis Records) 2005

Osamu Koike: Tenor Sax, Flute

Makoto Aoyagi: Acoustic Piano, Rhodes

Koichi Osamu: Acoustic and Electric Bass

Masahiko Osaka: Drums     

This CD is one of the most impressive statements of modern jazz this year, and perhaps ever. This quartet, on its third release, moves outside the limits of bop, free and modern jazz vocabulary to create its own report on the state of jazz in Japan. The quartet pushes limits by creating its own rich, new language and does it fluently, and powerfully.

EQ is a real conversation and a real collaboration. Each member contributes at least one composition, and everyone solos with a natural and passionate flow. The compositions are complex, but that only drives them to play more fluidly. "Chromaticism" edges through harmonic stops and starts before pulling back into a central core of cohesive strength. Osamu's bass connects it all like a backbone. The various harmonic sections feel like the different parts of a large abstract painting, which come together only as one stands back and sees the whole.

What's compelling on "The Polestar," though, is the feathery ECM-like melody. The minimal approach, in which the musicians' hold back as much as put forth, creates lush, delicate textures. The subtlety is masterfully realized. Other tunes take off, though. "Sand under the Falling Rain" showcases Koike's masterful flute playing over a rollicking electric bass. Aoyagi's Rhodes piano sound gives a fusion feel without the limits of fusion. Upbeat and electric, the song contrasts nicely with other tunes, like "Silence," which work with sophisticated restraint. The melody of "Silence" ambles along, leaving interesting spaces inside. This tune has a confident blend of a sense of silence together with the complexity of modern jazz harmonies. Koike's solos here are outstanding.

"Hoppin' Steppin'" is an intriguingly rhythmic number by Osaka. Starting with handclaps, and progressing through muscular, forward leaning rhythms, it's great to hear Osaka out front. The song is impossible not to love right away, as it dynamically pushes its melody up and up, only to have it drop down with satisfying descending notes. "Emotional Quality," also by Osaka, jams hard. Stepping the pace up and laying into intense solos, especially by Aoyagi, the tune balances the other introspective numbers.

EQ's "Third Report" is an impressive recording. Intelligent without being intellectual, hip without being proud, EQ works as a genuine collaboration at a very high level. Their mature technique is fantastic, but they use it to create overpowering moods. The complex chord progressions and subtle rhythmic techniques create emotional impact. This balance of easy-on-the-ears and provocative-to-the-mind is one which too-few groups even consider, much less master, as EQ does here. The band's realization of their tunes and intense musical creativity make this a superb release.