Paul Yonemura: First Flight Home

For a recording that almost did not happen, drummer Paul Yonemura's First Flight Home is a welcome intruder and an undeniable pleasure to hear.

As Yonemura tells it, four of his compositions were recorded on a demo tape in 1984, which is as far as they were intended to go. After listening to them, however, saxophonist Larry Honda added a pair of his original compositions and pianist Rick Helzer one, and what was once a demo tape started to evolve into a full-fledged album. And sure enough, First Flight Home became airborne as a vinyl LP in July 1985 (Jazz Mind).

As many of those who heard the album wanted a digital version, Yonemura called again on Helzer, who wrote "Seeking the Kingdom" (recorded in 1985) and "Spirit of Life" (1988), both included on the CD version, which was finally released in 2026. While Helzer's dazzling charts are among the album's pinnacles, they are by no means in a league of their own. Honda's fiery opening theme, "Happy Feet," sets the arena ablaze, and his sauntering "Intuitions" is a warmhearted roller coaster ride featuring his limber tenor saxophone and Helzer's in-the-pocket piano.

Helzer does what he can to raise the ante with "Seeking the Kingdom" and "Spirit of Light," while his buoyant "Somewhere Above the Clouds" completes a remarkable trifecta. Yonemura wrote the album's other numbers, showing why the idea for Long Flight Home arose from his demo tape. There is clearly no loss of passion or charisma on any of Yonemura's themes, from "A Very Special Day" (enlivened by Yonemura's very special arrangement) to the bustling "One for Jack," picturesque "Monterey Peninsula" (coupling radiant solos by Helzer and Honda on soprano sax with unflagging support from the rhythm section, especially Yonemura) and the album's bright and lyrical title song, quickened once more by Helzer and Honda's acrobatic solos.

As the album was recorded in several sessions, some years apart, personnel varies to some extent, as does sound quality, although it is never less than adequate. Yonemura and the group welcome a pair of guest artists: soprano saxophonist Kim Richmond on "Seeking the Kingdom" and alto Mary Fettig on "Spirit of Life," each of whom brightens the landscape with a sharp and luminous solo. While First Flight Home is a high-quality album even without those talents, their inspiring presence provides yet another reason to applaud the enterprise.