| Jazz |
Let us continue our exploration of albums that are demanding yet of profound artistic and intellectual depth. This time, the focus shifts to music often labeled “improvised,” though here it is meticulously codified, offering moments of romantic introspection before plunging back into the fiery core of action. Among the contributors is the celebrated drummer Ramón López, no stranger to bold musical ventures. Renowned for his distinctive and atypical style—rooted in an immense musical culture—López is today one of the most respected European artists in contemporary jazz. Having recorded over 100 albums and performed at concerts and festivals worldwide, he has collaborated with some of the most innovative and influential figures in the jazz universe.
Joining him is the internationally acclaimed pianist Satoko Fujii. As both pianist and composer, Fujii is lauded as “an improviser of rumbling intensity and generous restraint” (Giovanni Russonello, The New York Times). For over 25 years, she has crafted a singular musical voice that transcends genre boundaries, merging jazz, contemporary classical music, rock, and traditional Japanese melodies into an instantly recognizable and wholly unique synthesis. “Fujii’s music troubles the divide between abstraction and realism… converting the riches of the world around her into music,” writes Russonello. On this album, Fujii is nothing short of magnificent—at once radical and sublime—soaring within the sonic universe she conjures.
Completing this magical trio is the extraordinary trumpeter Natsuki Tamura. A Japanese trumpeter and composer, Tamura is celebrated globally for his singular musical vocabulary, which fuses extended techniques with jazz lyricism. François Couture of All Music Guide observed, “We can officially say there are two Natsuki Tamuras: the one playing angular jazz-rock or ferocious free improv… and the one writing simple melodies of stunning beauty. How the two of them live in the same body and breathe through the same trumpet might remain a mystery.”
Born in Otsu, Japan, on July 26, 1951, Tamura embarked on his musical journey as a trumpeter in a junior high school brass band. His professional career blossomed after high school, spanning numerous ensembles such as the World Sharps Orchestra, Consolation, Skyliners Orchestra, and the Satoko Fujii Ensemble. As a prominent trumpeter for Japanese television from 1973 to 1982, he showcased his artistry on programs such as The Best Ten, Music Fair, and Kirameku Rhythm.
These biographical vignettes underscore the importance of understanding the diverse universes these artists inhabit. “Improvised” music demands a formidable level of musical mastery.
Here, the foundations are evident: Fujii’s pianistic approach is steeped in classical traditions, evident in her deliberate placement or subversion of notes. On the other hand, López and Tamura bring the purest essence of jazz to the fore, each shaped by distinct cultural and artistic visions. Together, they craft what may well be the most globally inspired jazz album to date—one that reflects not only their respective cultural identities but also the myriad influences of the musicians they’ve encountered in studios and on stages worldwide.
Ultimately, this album offers listeners a profound sonic experience. For those well-versed in jazz, classical music, and improvised traditions, it stands as one of the most monumental and significant achievements ever realized. It thus earns its rightful place in our collection of “Essential Albums.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 6th 2025
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