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Marco the Phoenix by Jun Iida

From the album

Album Title: Bellflower
Label: OA2 Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:56:22

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About the Album

Whether it’s his Japanese heritage, or his having lived in various culturally specific cities around America, it’s no wonder that identity, landscapes and cultural influences reside so strongly in trumpeter Jun Iida's music. Bellflower is largely the reflection of his move 3 years ago from Seattle to New York, the music played, relationships made and the many roads traveled up to that time. With a band of new friends who developed this program of mostly originals over the course of a West Coast tour, Iida offers a nod to the resilience of Pittsburgh through the opener, “Rivers and Bridges.” “Hotaru Nights” provides views of Japan, but its groove is from the Texas-born sound of the late Roy Hargrove. “Marco the Phoenix” draws inspiration from the beloved anime One Piece, while “Chasing Peace” echoes the sophistication of a classic ballad while yielding something undefinably richer. Bellflower offers songs that are meant to move people and to be enjoyed, wrapped in a collage of sounds that only Iida’s personal journey could furnish.

Tracks

Rivers and Bridges; Hotaru Nights; The Final View; Next Time; Marco the Phoenix; Will They Remember?; No Scuffs; Lovers’ Interlude; Chasing Peace; Bellflower.

Personnel

Additional Personnel

Takafumi Nikaido: congas; Zelda Harris: vocals.

Reviews

Bellflower by Jack Bowers
Bellflower by Paul Rauch

Date featured

July 25, 2026

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.