Jazz Articles about Satoko Fujii

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Satoko Fujii - Natsuki Tamura: In Krakow In November

by AAJ Italy Staff
July 9, 2007

Assieme nella vita e in varie formazioni musicali, la pianista Satoko Fujii e il trombettista Natsuki Tamura hanno registrato già un paio di dischi in duo: nel 1996 hanno pubblicato per la Leo Records How Many (Leo Lab CD 029) e nel 2001 autoprodotto Clouds, per l'etichetta Libra. Quest'album - registrato come indica il titolo a Cracovia, l'8 novembre 2005, negli studi di Radio Krakow - si snoda su coordinate espressive piuttosto diverse rispetto ai lavori precedenti. Ciò che s'evidenzia ...

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Satoko Fujii Min-Yoh Ensemble: Fuijin Raijin

by Troy Collins
June 14, 2007

Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii's artistic restlessness is given full flower on Fujin Raijin, her first album of Min'yo compositions. Classically trained, Fujii is one of today's most eclectic jazz figures, leading ensembles that range from intimate chamber duos to full-sized big bands. Long fascinated by the emotional directness of Min'yo (traditional Japanese folk music), Fujii finally takes the plunge with a mix of traditional and original pieces.

Fujii is joined by her usual foil, husband and trumpeter Natsuki ...

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Satoko Fujii Min-Yoh Ensemble: Fujin Raijin

by Dan McClenaghan
May 26, 2007

Pianist Satoko Fujii has put together another ensemble. There's nothing new in that; it seems she and/or her husband, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, form a new group or two every year, just to keep things fresh. With the Satoko Fujii Min-Yoh Ensemble, the mercurial Japanese-born pianist/composer takes off on yet another tangent--an exploration of Japanese folk music.It's a departure of sorts. The Gato Libre group--in which Fujii plays accordion--has put out two CDs influenced by European folks sounds: Strange ...

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Satoko Fujii / Natuski Tamura: In Krakow In November

by Budd Kopman
May 21, 2007

The cover is dark blue with a picture of a city (presumably Krakow) at dusk with a cloudy sky. Lights that have come on are glowing from overexposing the shot. The mood is thus set for the duo of pianist Satoko Fujii and her husband, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura to present re-workings of pieces recorded in different arrangements from years past. The album has a stark, wide-open sound that creates a serious, introspective mood which matches the one created by the ...

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Satoko Fujii Orchestra Kobe: Kobe Yee!!

by Jim Santella
May 10, 2007

Another in a fine series of big band albums that pianist Satoko Fujii has released, Kobe Yee!! features the ensemble that she works with when she's in town. Kobe, Japan, that is.

This fifteen-piece band interprets her music with a fierce attitude, as each selection comes laden with the force of collective power. On “Tobifudo we're treated to her percussive piano fortitude as she releases a ton of energy into its introduction, inspiring the rest of the band ...

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Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura: In Krakow In November

by Jerry D'Souza
May 5, 2007

Pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura make a fine team. Their musical collaborations are many, involving Fujii's big band as well as several other combines including duo outings. They are back together for the first time in five years exploring tunes that were earlier recorded by their quartet projects.

The pared down approach does not sap the vitality of the compositions. Fujii and Tamura bring a fresh perspective to each, divined by their ability to move past the obvious ...

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Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura: In Krakow in November

by Jim Santella
February 18, 2007

The husband and wife team of Natsuki Tamura & Satoko Fujii continues to make giant strides in bringing avant garde jazz to a wider audience. Their creative adventures recall the excitement wrought by AACM members such as Lester Bowie and Muhal Richard Abrams. Extending their reach around the world, the creative couple forcefully demonstrates what can happen when you let your musical ideas run free.

Their compositions run melodic throughout this live session, allowing impressions to come from both gentle ...