Kira Kira: Kira Kira Live

Kira Kira, a Japanese avant-garde ensemble has been at the forefront of improvisational music since 2017. Their name, translating to "glittering" or "shining" in Japanese, fittingly reflects the radiant quality of their sonic explorations. The ensemble includes an all-star lineup: trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, pianist Satoko Fujii, keyboardist Alister Spence and drummer Tatsuya Yoshida. Together, they blend semi-structured jazz with shades of other genres, creating a sound that is as frenzied and bustling as it is introspective and exhilarating. The album was recorded during a 2024 tour of Japan.

The mixture of free improvisation and the occasional tuneful theme is nothing short of superb. Melodies bloom like wildflowers during a storm, bringing moments of beauty to the group's bold unpredictability. With such an eclectic range of influences, it comes as no surprise that Kira Kira excels in live performances, where their spontaneity truly shines.

Kira Kira Live captures this ensemble in their natural habitat, performing without a safety net, as if daring one another to take even greater risks. The opening track, "Vertical Rainbow," is a sprawling exploration of sound, like walking a tightrope on a windy day. The piece opens with Spence's eerie electronic effects, complementing the acoustic elements and helping set the auditory scene. The band navigates ethereal soundscapes before coming to a sudden halt when Tamura joins the festivities, followed by Yoshida's polyrhythmic drumming, pounding like an anxious heartbeat. The group then re-engages, with Tamura's blurting trumpet lines leading the charge, and Spence's whirlwind phrasing on the Fender Rhodes providing additional texture. Together, they build to a fever pitch, pushing the music to a boiling point.

Kira Kira has a knack for riding a horizontal plane while exploring vertical shifts, diving into softer, quietly mind-bending mini-motifs that evolve and renew. "Green Energy" opens with ringing cymbals and a minimalist structure, evoking a sacred ritual tinged with subtle background effects. As the piece progresses, Spence crafts a mysterious soundscape, gradually joined by Tamura's trumpet. More melodic lines emerge, leading to ominous progressions. Fujii then launches into a clustering solo, complete with dark, lower-register block chords, while Tamura's pulsating theme-building adds tension.

Each track on the album tells a different story. "Cat Parade," for instance, starts with a cheerful theme before transitioning into linear steps, delicate passages, and a rollicking finale. Fujii's piano alternates between frenetic bursts and moments of delicate restraint, while Tamura's trumpet cuts through like a mischievous whisper in a conversation you should not be having. Each musician speaks their own musical language, yet they understand one another perfectly.

The energy on Kira Kira Live is palpable, but it is not all fire and chaos. There are moments of introspection as well. The band's chemistry is on full display in the quieter sections as they weave subtle textures that draw the listener in. Yoshida's drumming adds an unpredictable edge, ensuring nothing feels too comfortable. This balance between structure and freedom makes this album such a compelling listen.

This album is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embark on the journey, it is an adrenaline-charged experience. And it is clear the band feeds off the audience's energy, and you can almost hear them grinning through the more mischievous twists and turns.