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Itaru Oki: Chorui Zukan
ByHis solo trumpet album Chrui Zukan features Oki at his best. He creates a cohesive continuum between his own original compositions and open- ended improvisations, playful usage of breathing techniques and heartfelt, intimate interpretations of American standards. Oki has a distinct sound and phrasing of his own, experimental and searching yet warm, subtle and with a keen sense of melody.
His readings of the standards as "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "I Wish I Knew" or "You Are Too Beautiful" are straightforward and emphasize the lyrical side of these beautiful, emotional melodies. His interpretations of Thelonious Monk's "Misterioso" and "'Round Midnight" are simply brilliant. He follows the original themes but with a sense of irony, playful eccentric sounds and touching grace.
The free improvisations are innovative and bold. His masterful command of breathing and other extended techniques, unique architecture of sounds and his wise understanding of the options the studio space, turn these pieces into nuanced sonic journeys. The trumpet on the pieces as "Asagimadara" and "Midorshijimi" becomes a whole new instrument. Its whispering tone brings to mind the meditative sound of the Japanese shakuhachi flute (Oki's father was a shakuhachi player}, and the inventive employment of breathing techniques offer ethereal multi-phonics, rough drones, and dense tongue flutters. Another improvised piece as "Shimokita Blues" highlights Oki's refusal to be locked in any genre, style or convention. He moves freely between a traditional blues scale and an abstract meditation on this form and connects these sonic poles organically.
Fascinating and inspirational work of great musician.
Track Listing
Janomecho; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You; Oogomadara; I Wish I Knew 1; Asagimadara; Midorishijimi; Misterioso; You Are Too Beautiful; Karasuageha; I Wish I Knew 2; Shimokita Blues; Smiling Mr Nanri; Suminagashi; 'Round Midnight.
Personnel
Itaru Oki
trumpetItaru Oki: trumpet, flugelhorn.
Album information
Title: Chorui Zukan | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Improvised Beings
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