Jazz Articles about Eri Yamamoto

Eri Yamamoto: Duologue

by Jeff Stockton
July 11, 2008

On vacation from Japan in New York City in 1995, pianist Eri Yamamoto saw a performance by the Tommy Flanagan trio that changed the course of her life. She decided to trade the solitude of the classical music stage and the loneliness of the long distance recitalist for the camaraderie and interaction she hoped to find on the jazz bandstand. Technically proficient, but with a gospel-ish touch and a swinging attack, Duologue is Yamamoto's debut as a leader in a ...

Eri Yamamoto: Duologue

by Lyn Horton
June 23, 2008

Historically in jazz, pianos have been oriented towards group ensembles. The prevalence of modern jazz and improvised music has not altered these configurations, but the musicians have challenged the instrumental relationships within. To extend their voice, pianists need to use their creative insight to embrace the appropriate instrumental combinations in order to shape the sound that begins in their sonic imagination.

On Duologue, Eri Yamamoto has chosen to play with four musicians whose unique talents are showcased by the way ...

Eri Yamamoto: Duologue

by Nic Jones
June 19, 2008

It's clear from note one here that Eri Yamamoto is staking out her own pianistic territory and it's a privilege to be able to monitor her progress on her artistic journey. Her take on free and near free territories is entirely her own, but what pervades this whole program is a deeply reflective, quasi-spiritual strain of lyricism, and the pianist's choice of duo partners has been judicious in and crucial to the realization of this.

If first impressions count for ...

Eri Yamamoto: Duologue

by Mark Corroto
June 17, 2008

Let's agree that pianist Eri Yamamoto's days of being described as a talent deserving wider recognition are now over. With Duologue, she now takes her rightful place as a headliner and leader.

This release for AUM Fidelity is one of two discs coming in 2008. Redwoods, a trio disc, will follow this session of duets with fellow New Yorkers. She has already made some impressive sessions and has been featured on bassist William Parker's Luc's Lantern ...

William Parker Raining on the Moon: Corn Meal Dance

by AAJ Italy Staff
December 24, 2007

Giganteggia la figura di William Parker nel panorama della musica improvvisata di oggi: predicatore, musicista immenso, teorico, storico coscienzioso, giustiziere a volte, catalizzatore di talenti ed energie, animatore straordinario e responsabile, almeno in gran parte, della rinascita di certo black free gravitante intorno all’area newyorchese. E, d’altro canto, il contrabbassista ha le spalle larghe e non ha mai rifuggito le proprie responsabilità, dimostrando di essere pienamente cosciente del ruolo di guida spirituale, coscienza critica e ultimo erede della cultura, non ...

William Parker: Corn Meal Dance

by Michael McCaw
December 14, 2007

Steeped in the bedrock of the blues, hearkening back to sounds of Charles Mingus' Blues and Roots jazz, and featuring one of the more compelling and soulful voices in music today, Corn Meal Dance by bassist William Parker, is a complete package even if it takes a few listens to hear.With a few exceptions, lyrics in jazz are often straight forward and leave little to interpretation. And upon first listen here one might feel that the lyrics are ...

William Parker: Corn Meal Dance

by James Taylor
December 2, 2007

William Parker's Corn Meal Dance showcases the enigmatic figure's best attributes--not as bassist but, instead, as band leader and poet. The release finds Parker again working with his Raining On The Moon Quintet, first featured on Raining On The Moon (Thirsty Ear, 2002). An overall more pop and blues-oriented record than some of Parker's more eclectic excursions, Corn Meal Dance is refreshing and Parker's words thought provoking.Joining Parker is Rob Brown (alto sax), Hamid Drake (drums), Lewis Barnes ...