Record Reviews
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  | AKI TAKASE ~ PLAYS FATS WALLER
ENJA 9152 (Barcode: 767522915228) ~ JAPAN ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004
This is an album by Japanese (resident in Germany) pianist / composer Aki TakaseFind albums by this artist, recorded with an excellent team of German musicians: bass clarinetist Rudi MahalFind albums by this artist, trombonist Nils WogramFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Thomas HebererFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul LovensFind albums by this artist and American vocalist / banjoist / guitarist Eugene ChadbourneFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen, mostly short tracks, and as the title suggests most of which were composed by the great American pianist / composer Fats WallerFind albums by this artist, with six original compositions by Takase also included.
The music moves constantly between the Stride Jazz, associated with Waller, and the completely modern / Free Jazz, which is the usual modus operandi of the musicians playing on the album, creating a wonderful stylistic see-saw and a brilliant musical experience. People expecting to hear here straightforward interpretation of Harlem Jazz from the 1920s and 1930s are in for a real big surprise ;)
Takase transforms Waller’s smoothly into the 21st Century, ignoring stylistic constrains and seeming “ignoring” the traditions, but of course a trained ear easily hears the genius involved. It’s not a coincidence that Takase has been one of my all-time favorite pianist and bandleaders, and this album is a perfect example of her super-human abilities.
Obviously it takes some intellectual effort to recognize the manipulations applied to the original compositions and the transformation path they go through herein, but the satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed.
Overall, this is a brilliant example of Takase’s genius, and her unique way of treating the Jazz tradition, bringing them into contemporary Jazz. The excellent team stands up to the challenge without a hitch and this music, despite its curves and twists, is a highly aesthetic journey into the unexpected. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 16/12/2023Posted: 16/12/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AKI TAKASE / DANIEL ERDMAN ~ ISN`T IT ROMANTIC?
BMC 301 (Barcode: 5998309303012) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is an album by the duo comprising of Japanese Jazz pianist / composer Aki TakaseFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist / composer Daniel ErdmannFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, six each composed by Takase and Erdmann and one standard.
The music is an exquisite example of the “Art of the Duo” idiom, crafted and executed by highly experienced Jazz musicians. Takase, who has lived in Berlin since 1988, has become an integral part of the European Jazz scene and her numerous recordings make her one of the most important modern Jazz figures on the contemporary scene. Erdmann, who is twenty-five years younger, has also already established a name for himself on the European Jazz scene. Both seem feel a strong affinity towards duo recordings.
As the title suggests, the music, although completely modern, has a certain romantic tinge to it, which is expressed in the highly melodic motifs, which underlay the duo performances. As a result, the complex improvisations and intricate dialog between the two musicians stays somewhat within Jazz tradition and only partially spills over into Avant-Garde, creating a wonderfully balanced amalgam of the two, which is accessible to a large audience of Jazz listeners.
Both musicians emerge as excellent songweavers, in addition to their superb performing skills, which are pure joy to listen to. The music flows wonderfully from one composition to the next, creating a coherent continuity and manages to keep the listener on his toes, always anticipating the next move. The entire album is a masterpiece of inventiveness and superb telepathic conversation between the two musicians, which truly exemplifies the Jazz duo concept at its best.
I have closely followed Takase’s career since the very early days and she definitely is an artist that never disappoints, consistently producing superb music. The long list of her albums recorded over the years is a Jazz treasure chest.
Overall, this is an excellent duo album, which although can be demanding at times, manages beautifully to create a romantic feeling, as expressed by modern Jazz at its best. It is full of great performances and unexpected musical vistas, which are truly unique.
| | Updated: 15/03/2022Posted: 15/03/2022 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | AKI TAKASE JAPANIC ~ THEMA PRIMA
BMC 268 (Barcode: 5998309302688) ~ JAPAN ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019
This is the debut album by Japanese (resident in Berlin) pianist / composer Aki TakaseFind albums by this artist and her ensemble JapanicFind albums by this artist, which includes German saxophonist Daniel ErdmannFind albums by this artist, turntablist / electronicist DJ IllvibeFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Vincent von SchlippenbachFind albums by this artist son of Alexander von SchlippenbachFind albums by this artist), bassist Johannes FinkFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Dag Magnus NarvesenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, seven by Takase, two by Erdmann and one by Narvesen.
The music is brilliant modern Jazz, floating constantly between melody based passages and free improvised vistas, all superbly performed by these exceptional musicians.
Takase is a highly experienced bandleader and Japanic manages to create a complete ensemble sound on this album, perfectly combining the individual voices of its members into a coherent ensemble unity. The devilishly complex rhythmic patterns and asymmetric harmonies sound remarkably “easy on the ear” and the music is accessible to a wide range of Jazz listeners, despite the seemingly Avant-Gardist exterior.
The album offers rich textures and innovative usage of electronics, which often, although fashionable, does not work well within the modern Jazz idiom, but this seems to be the exception of the rule.
Takase’s piano playing is as brilliant as always and the years that pass seem to make her more exhilarating than ever, which makes me always extremely happy.
Overall, this is a first class piece of music, from start to finish, which offers a roller coaster ride into the depth of creativity and musical imagination. It is wonderful to see Takase vibrant and original as always, hopefully for many years to come. Don’t you dare to miss this one!
| | Updated: 02/04/2022Posted: 02/04/2022 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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