| Jazz |
In 2023, we had already been able to appreciate the talent of this trumpeter, as mentioned in this review, who is also a brilliant composer and arranger. A Decade tells a story. Jonokuchi, now recognized and loved for his virtuosity as a trumpeter, began his career by overcoming a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Born with a congenital lung disease that remained dormant throughout his childhood, this condition suddenly and aggressively manifested itself during high school. Already on his way to becoming an exceptional trumpeter, Jonokuchi suffered a collapsed lung requiring surgery. This life-saving operation removed part of his lung, putting a halt to his playing and forcing him to reassess and rediscover his relationship with music, before awakening within him a new and indomitable determination. Like the heroic journey of a classic myth, Jonokuchi’s obstacles did not end there. Some people are unfortunately marked by fate. Indeed, at barely twenty years old, Jonokuchi was the victim of random violence in South Philadelphia. The assailant attacked him brutally, inflicting traumatic injuries to his mouth and permanent scars on his embouchure. This incident, which would have ended the career of many musicians, only strengthened Jonokuchi’s resolve. During the year of natural recovery when he couldn’t play the trumpet, he deepened his skills in composition and arrangement, particularly for large ensembles. Finally, his heroic journey culminated with one last obstacle: his move to New York. Jonokuchi had to relearn how to play the trumpet, almost from scratch, and decided that if he had to start all over again, he might as well do it in New York. Now, ten years after his arrival in New York, Jonokuchi has risen as a versatile and powerful musician whose past obstacles have only reinforced his greatness, both as a person and as a musician. A Decade is therefore a testimony to this journey and his ten years in New York that have led him to this point.
This is interesting to know and truly gives dimension to his work, which contributes to his success while remaining firmly rooted in the purest tradition of jazz, but not only that… When you listen to the track South Philly on this album, you will notice that although the present-day vibe is prominent, the arrangements are far from retro, and their rhythmic dynamism firmly places it in the 21st century. The album ends smoothly with the vocal version of Skylark, a brilliant idea that closes an album that will bring to mind images of post-war American films, thanks to the evocative quality of the melodies on this record. With A Decade, Danny Jonokuchi asserts himself not only as a writer, trumpeter, and singer but also as an artist, a poet, a creator capable of expressing his emotions with such honesty and brilliance that they literally overflow. As Jonokuchi presents his audience with a reflection on his last ten years in New York, listeners will be ready and eager to discover what the next ten years and beyond have in store for him. So are we, because with such expressive musical writing, it opens up many possibilities. This album is a remarkable success that deserves to be placed in the category of our “Essentials.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 27th 2024
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