Satoko Fujii Trio: Illusion Suite

Bassist Mark Dresser expresses with myriad textural ideas. His bowed lines and punctuated pizzicato phrases lend a vibrant spirit. Drummer Jim Black adds variety in the multiple textures that he contributes. Dresser, Fujii and Black have been developing their cohesive sound for eight years. Together, they contrast pleasant melodies with dramatic forces into one big picture. Impressionistic, the music allows the trio's audience an independent search for underlying meaning.

A New Orleans shuffle or a lively samba strut may indicate celebration, or it may simply be a path to higher emotions. A dreamy ballad swirl may indicate smooth going, and an eerie outtake may portend change. It's up to the listener. What ensues, however, stirs the imagination dynamically. Fujii's trio never lets up. With every phrase, their audience is treated to more dramatic thoughts. A highly energetic pianist, a rollicking acoustic bassist, and a versatile drummer join forces on Illusion Suite to combine jazz's tradition with leading-edge ideas.