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Satoko Fujii Quartet: Bacchus
ByFujii records, prolifically, with any number of ensemble configurations: from her extremely freewheeling and often cacophonous big bands to duo projects, the European-flavored Gato Libre, and various trios and quartets. But one of her most enduring ensembles is The Satoko Fujii Quartet, with whom she has recorded four previous discs, beginning with Vulcan (Libra Records, 2001). The quartet is a powerhouse affair, with muscular, rock-informed drumming of Tatsuya Yoshida and the seismic electric bass of Takehuru Hayakawa laying down unpredictable grooves behind her piano, and the blowing of the always adventurous trumpeter Natsuki Tamura.
Bacchus may be the most sedate of the Quartet's setsthough the word "sedate" is used in a relative sense. The sound is loud, full of pulsing adrenaline and in your face brashness, but things seem a bit more measured than on previous efforts, resulting in their most approachable outing.
But don't let the words/labels "sedate" or "measured" fool you. The Quartet's sound has a beefy, vibrant energy; and Fujii's piano approachwhether she's flailing in a maelstrom or picking out brittle, pretty notes in moments of eye of the storm reposeis always surprising and engagingly outside any predictable norm.
Bacchus showcases Fujii at her best: focused, fearlessness, and not paying any attention at all to what might be expected from the confines of anybody's labels.
Track Listing
Sunset in Savannah; In the Town Called Empty; Matsu Mae; Flying Elephant; Bacchus; In the Town You Don't See on the Map; Waltz for Godzilla; Natsue Mae (with effect).
Personnel
Satoko Fujii
pianoNatsuki Tamura: trumpet; Satoko Fujii: piano; Takeharu Hayakawa: bass; Tatsuya Yoshida: drums.
Album information
Title: Bacchus | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Muzak
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Satoko Fujii Quartet
CD/LP/Track Review
Satoko Fujii
Dan McClenaghan
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Muzak
United States
Bacchus