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  | 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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