Takeshi Shibuya and Kouichi Matsukaze “Blue Black No Kaidan” (Carca Rinsen 2009)

Takeshi Shibuya – piano
Kouichi Matsukaze – alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, flute, bass clarinet, bamboo sax

This lovely set of duets from two of Tokyo’s longtime jazz compatriots is a rare, real treat. This interconnected suite of Matsukaze’s original songs, improvised in tandem, flow together in the best possible way. The melodies are distinctive, yet soft and pliable as silk, each one slipping into luscious textures and nuanced expressions. The songs trail dreamily into solos then back to the melodies mutually re-invented with a fresh sensibility.

The sound quality of the CD is extremely good, which allows every breath of Matsukaze’s multi-reed and flute playing to come through with delicacy and feeling. Such recording clarity ensures nothing is lost of the sense of subtle care he gives every note, and indeed every part of every note, since each one is composite and variegated. The CD sounds as if we are in the studio with them drinking coffee on a calm afternoon. Shibuya’s piano too playing too comes through with all the right textures, harmonies and minimalist cool. 

Music played with such a calm maturity is rare. Neither musician forces any boundaries but neither do they adhere to tradition. The music uses boundaries and traditions to achieve its emotional character. Both Matsukaze and Shibuya play from the inside out. Moods, reflections and contemplations provide the impetus, and spring from deep pools of all those. They calmly relish their interactive reflection and melodic discovery.

The technique and planning is always evident, but more than that, it is easy to just slip into the daydream flow of each song. This easygoing pace is a relief, since a lot of Japanese jazz can seem to be in a hurry. Like the slow food movement, this CD might be called “slow jazz.” It is built from local products, takes time, keeps its humanity and finds pleasures in decelerating the pace. That means hearing music from a freshly considered and calmly deliberated point of view.

Maybe just maybe, the felt experience of music, and its beauty, arises largely from finding the right pace. To do that, though, entails having the right pace together with heart and soul. Matsukaze and Shibuya have that on this gorgeous CD.

(December 7, 2009)