Record Reviews

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

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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

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