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Satoko Fujii & Jim Yanda: Not So Silent In Their Ways
ByPiano Music
Libra Records
2021
Arresting to the eyes as are the cover graphics of Piano Music, the music is no less so (and in fact a brilliant visual corollary). Quite probably, the audio component is more engrossing because of the almost visceral conjuring of expectancy and suspense. It's difficult if not impossible to imagine such sounds as that of "Shiroku" coming from an acoustic piano: emission of such tones would seem to be the work of an electric instrument or an synthesizer. But as with the other cut of two here, "Fuwarito"at twenty-seven plus minutes almost ten longer than its counterpartthe artist delves deep into the potential of the instrument in wholly unconventional way. As such, it will not suit tastes for the traditional, but it's oddly captivating array of textures may very well transcend such limitations: also projects an undercurrent of emotion, seemingly diametrically opposed to Fuji's essentially cerebral concept, but deceptively accessible in its own way.
Jim Yanda / Phil Haynes/Herb Robertson
A Silent Way
Corner Store Jazz
2021
Given the decidedly unorthodox approach in play on A Silent Way, it may not sound so odd to learn that from the mid- point on is the optimum route by which to explore this double-CD set (fully in keeping with its own fragmented cover images). At the outset of the album proper, on "Hero" and "Search," the dissonant crescendos simply continue too long when generated in such static fashion by Yanda (on an amplified acoustic instrument), Robertson and Haynes; the three musicians sound altogether trapped in a noisy dead-end from which they cannot escape. In contrast, commencing a hearing with "Jungle," then progressing through the title track, the aforementioned monotony of deconstruction crystallizes dramatically prior to the kinetic finish of close to two hours total playing time. It's a tribute to Jon Rosenberg that he so fully captured this subtle dynamic in his recordings of the trio, but his discerning technical skill further extends the album's homage to Miles Davis, by incorporating respect, albeit indirectly, for the jazz icon's long-time producer Teo Macero.
Tracks and Personnel
Piano MusicTracks: Shiroku; Fuwarito.
Personnel: Satoko Fujii: piano
A Silent Way
Tracks: Voyager; Search; Spirits; Consciousness; Questions; Stream; Clues; Path; Odyssey; Jungle; Nocturnal; A Silent Way; Possession; Meta; Shaman
Personnel: Jim Yanda: amplified acoustic guitar; Herb Robertson: trumpet; Phil Haynes: drums
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Multiple Reviews
Jim Yanda
Doug Collette
Phil Haynes
Herb Robertson
Satoko Fuji
Libra Records
Cornerstone Jazz