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Natsuki Tamura: Koki Solo
ByA composer and trumpeter by trade, Tamura expands his tool kit to include piano, vocals, and a primarily unidentified arsenal of gadgets with the purpose of making noise. He wastes no time in demonstrating the range and extended technique on the opening piece, "Sekirei." With beautiful melodies, soaring buildups, and rasping snarls, Tamura gives us a dramatic introduction. "Karugamo" is a ritualistic mélange of proxied bells, gongs, and chanting which may seem to invoke ancient spirits but is simply an experiment with pots, pans, and utensils. Here, as on the later track "Kamome," Tamura shows that his extended vocal techniques are as wide-ranging as his trumpet. Fortunately, these eccentric tracks are balanced with the stunning solo trumpet works "Kawau" and "Chidori."
As a pianist, Tamura is able but does not pose a threat to Satoko Fujii (who produced Koki Solo). Whatever his shortcomings at the keyboard, they are obscured by his gargling, screeching vocal on the closing track, "Isoshigi." To be clear, Tamura's notes confirm that this is all meant to be quirky fun in an age of uncertainty. It is more than that, of course, with some heartfelt and memorable trumpet work. Koki Solo may not be for everyone, but Natsuki Tamura has never made music for everyone.
Track Listing
Sekirei; Karugamo; Kawau; Bora; Sagi; Kamome; Chidori; Isoshigi.
Personnel
Natsuki Tamura
trumpetAdditional Instrumentation
Natsuki Tamura: trumpet, piano, wok, vocals.
Album information
Title: Koki Solo | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Libra Records
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Natsuki Tamura
Album Review
Karl Ackermann
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
Koki Solo
Libra Records
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Satoko Fujii