Junk Box
LIbra, 2008, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 14.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Avant Garde
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This trio consists of three of the most creative jazz musicians on the scene today. Pianist Satoko Fujii, percussionist John Hollenbeck and Natsuki Tamura (trumpet) play modern free jazz. The music is very dynamic and at times chaotic. But the precision of the changes and interaction between the musicians differentiates their music from just a free jam session. It is in fact composed music but notation includes words and graphics. The musicians are free to improvise at all points. The apparent rage emanating from Tamura’s trumpet on “Chilly Wind” or “Soldier’s Depression” (for example) may be a bit too much for some listeners but it is pure emotional expression. The use of silent spaces and air in the music also bodes well on “Back and Forth” helping listeners to embrace the theme. Fujii’s brand of free jazz is catchy and broadens a narrow audience. Lovers of Avant Garde will find this to be a very good session.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
