Description
BBE Musics highly-acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series continues with an album that unites three J Jazz legends with a young musician beginning their professional career. Recorded and released in 1986, Approach is both sophisticated and experimental in equal measure, balancing serene ambient moments with thunderous and dynamic explosions of energy. Approach was originally issued on the Art Union label and sees bass uber-maestro Isao Suzuki, percussion and drumming icon Masahiko Togashi, and keyboard wizard Hideo Ichikawa join together with neophyte guitarist Akira Shiomoto to deliver a first-class showcase of contemporary jazz across five tracks, demonstrating their individual talents working as one unified ensemble.
Suzukis deeply resonant and pliant basslines move sinuously across the album, supporting Togashis ebullient flashes of percussion and Ichikawas lush textures and colourations; topping it all off is the young Shiomotos guitar adding melodic texture and shine. Opening with Make Trip, Ichikawas gentle introduction makes way for a change of gear as Suzukis bass drives the band along before Togashis drum and percussion centrepiece solo leads to the outro. The plaintive and bluesy Otari follows next, with Ichikawas piano flowing around and between the rhythmic undertow from Suzuki and Togashi. Things turn slightly more experimental on Mysterious as Suzuki, the pieces composer, turns to arco bass effects and Ichikawa employs synthesiser and electronic textures to add colour to the palette.
Opening with a boldly stark solo piano part, Tornado is written by Ichikawa and continues with a freely improvised section from the group as Togashis characteristically inventive drum solo once again leads the piece to its culmination before seeing Suzuki re-join to conclude. The albums closer, East Words, written by Togashi, is a magnificent example of the ensembles interplay and control; a beautifully modulated intro from piano, bass and drums opens thepiece with the freshness and light of a morning sunrise. Ichikawas use of synth strings reveals a new and unexpected intensity to the performance, as the track builds further into a head nodding, bass driven exploration of Ichikawas piano and Togashis finely paced percussion. As an album closer, it couldnt be more perfect. via Label
Label: BBE, Art Union
Series: J Jazz Masterclass Series
Format: 2 x Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Album, Reissue
Released: 2023
Genre: Jazz
Style: Contemporary Jazz, Free Jazz
File under: Japanese Jazz
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