Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Keisuke Kishi: Elsewhere
Keisuke Kishi: Elsewhere
By
The album is titled Elsewhere. It is the work of Japanese drummer Keisuke Kishi, who is based in New York. But where is elsewhere? Is it the western shore of Oahu, an area of stark landscapes and poverty, in relative isolation from the bustling tourism of Waikiki? Or is it Bagamoyo, Tanzania? The album's cover art features a photo from Bagamoyo. Kishi has spent time in both of these locales. Or is elsewhere East Village, New York City, Kishi's home ground since 2018?
The music on Elsewhere sounds as if it was born in exotic locales. It is a mostly piano trio albumfeaturing four different pianists. And throw in some Fender Rhodes, electric keyboards, a guitar (on one tune), an Ilimba (one tune) and a saxophone (one tune).
Kishi's distinctive drumming is a prominent feature. He is a stylist, in his own way, in the manner of Jon Christensen and Paul Motian, using his artistry to explore an array of cultures, lands, religions and identities, expressing his thoughts on six of his own compositions along with Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and Keali'i Reichel's "E O Mai."
Beginning with the pensive "Shade of Tree," with Eishin Nose on piano, then moving into "Over The Rainbow," featuring Jun Sugiura on piano, with the trio painting a soundscape of mystery and positivity. "Laulea" mixes a Kishi's handpan, drums and percussion into an alien orchestra, followed by the lovely piano trio bounce of "Torii," featuring pianist Ben Paterson, leading into another handpan and percussion rumination on "Kahakai Mehana."
Elsewhereproduced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the album's bassist Nori Naraokafeatures a ringing clarity of sound and a cohesive expression of Kishi's musical vision. The title tunewhich gives off a vibe not unlike The Beatles' "Revolution 9," from the Fab Four's 1968 Apple Records masterpiece, The Beatleswraps up the show in a wonderfully enigmatic way.
The music on Elsewhere sounds as if it was born in exotic locales. It is a mostly piano trio albumfeaturing four different pianists. And throw in some Fender Rhodes, electric keyboards, a guitar (on one tune), an Ilimba (one tune) and a saxophone (one tune).
Kishi's distinctive drumming is a prominent feature. He is a stylist, in his own way, in the manner of Jon Christensen and Paul Motian, using his artistry to explore an array of cultures, lands, religions and identities, expressing his thoughts on six of his own compositions along with Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and Keali'i Reichel's "E O Mai."
Beginning with the pensive "Shade of Tree," with Eishin Nose on piano, then moving into "Over The Rainbow," featuring Jun Sugiura on piano, with the trio painting a soundscape of mystery and positivity. "Laulea" mixes a Kishi's handpan, drums and percussion into an alien orchestra, followed by the lovely piano trio bounce of "Torii," featuring pianist Ben Paterson, leading into another handpan and percussion rumination on "Kahakai Mehana."
Elsewhereproduced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the album's bassist Nori Naraokafeatures a ringing clarity of sound and a cohesive expression of Kishi's musical vision. The title tunewhich gives off a vibe not unlike The Beatles' "Revolution 9," from the Fab Four's 1968 Apple Records masterpiece, The Beatleswraps up the show in a wonderfully enigmatic way.
Track Listing
Shade of Tree; Over the Rainbow; Laulea; Torii; Kahakai Mehana; E O Mai; Lockdown; Elsewhere.
Personnel
Keisuke Kishi
drumsNori Naraoka
bass, acousticBen Paterson
pianoCalvin Johnson
saxophone, altoRod Williams
pianoJun Sugiura
pianoMasaharu Shimizu
guitarEishin Nose
pianoMsafiri Zawose
percussionAlbum information
Title: Elsewhere | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Self Produced