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Gato Libre: Neko
ByThe release of Neko says "Yes? But the free cat has changed.
From their beginning, with the release of Strange Village (Muzak, 2005) through 2014's DuDu, Gato Libre has embraced European folk moods in their music, sounds that conjure images of sidewalk cafe's, sun dappled canals, a blanket spread on the meadow grass, with a bottle of wine and a vase of flowers sitting on a tray amidst the wildflowers. Life-affirming sounds, a southern Europe of the romance languages. Neko seems leave the continent all together, or perhaps it just packed up its mood and moved north, into the land of grey clouds and cathedrals, of stately, foreboding castles, with Fujii's accordion having often a church organ feeling.
Tamura, a master of extended techniques, plays it mostly straight here, showcasing his beautiful tone. That's the way he's always rolled with Gato Libre. Kaneko's trombone lays the foundation, dense and melancholy; and Fujii's accordion work paints droning washes of sound that give the music a sacred tint. And then, on "Hime," there's Tamura's understated Daffy Duck calls and Kaneko's subtle sea lion groans floating into Fuji's divine sacramental sigh's, a perfect example of bumping the ridiculous up against the sublime.
For the most part, Gato Libre sounds sad, subdued, as if it's mourning in beautifully healing way. As free as ever, but more pensive and measured in its approach.
Track Listing
Tama; Momo; Mii; Hime; Yuzu; Tora.
Personnel
Natsuki Tamura: trumpet; Satyoko Fujii: accordion; Yasuko Kaneko: trombone.
Album information
Title: Neko | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Libra Records
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Gato Libre
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Natsuki Tamkura
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Natsuki Tamura
Satoko Fujii
Neko