Satoko Fujii: Indefatigable

Satoko Fujii's indefatigable artistic versatility may very well be the source of the generally arresting quality of her work. By the same token, no matter the form, her creations may in turn ignite the foundational inspiration for new projects. Witness two titles released within two months of each in 2025, on both of which Fujii returns to previously-conceived alignments—ones she and her collaborators freshen with the additional experience gained in the time since their last incarnation. Ki and Burning Wick continue an almost interrupted string of memorable efforts, within which Fuji and her comrades rediscover their chemistry as much as, if not more than their individual skill sets as composers, players and recording artists. The complementary nature of their efforts borders on the uncanny.

Natsumi Tamura/Satoko Fuji
Ki
Libra Records
2025

Paradoxical as it may sound, it is also fair to say that only musicians as full of imagination as trumpeter/composer Natsuki Tamura and pianist/composer Satoko Fujii can parcel out their ideas with the inordinate patience both display on the eight original compositions of Ki (seven by the former and one by the latter). And while it is true that the unfurling of the melodic and rhythmic lines on "Keyaki" may sound excruciatingly slow to some ears, there are also those for whom the process will evolve in an altogether exquisite pace. Dreamlike in its succession of tracks totaling roughly an hour's playing time, "Icho," takes shape in what amounts to fairly nebulous form, while "Hinoki" is as clear as the proverbial bell. Yet those are just two numbers wherein notes become transposed in the combined tones of trumpet and piano. This is an interactive listening experience of the highest order, albeit the most unusual sort, one rendered virtually irresistible via the audio fidelity fostered by Mike Marciano's mixing and mastering.

Satoko Fujii Quartet
Burning Wick
Libra Records
2025

Circling each other during "Solar Orbit" as if to (re) assemble their instrumental connection(s) for the imminent future after a two-decade hiatus, the Satoko Fujii Quartet unfurls sounds from their respective instruments in a fashion depicting how none of the individuals are any more afraid of picking up on others' ideas than they are of proffering their own. Consequently, on other tracks such as "Rain in the Wee Small Hours," there is a forthright authority permeating the musicianship here. And during "Neverending Summer," at the very same time the musicians remain immersed in the moments as they unfold, they are also deeply engaged with each other. As a result, hearing this album is tantamount to participating in it and, to that end, Mike Marciano's technical expertise ensures the sound is all-enveloping. Still, it is also true that surprises abound, in part because the abstract approach of the foursome is as much of a means to an end as the linear.

Tracks and Personnel

Ki

Tracks: Keyzki; Sugi; Hinoki; Kusunoki; Arakashi; Icho; Kunigi; Dan's Oceanside Listening Post.

Personnel: Natsuki Tamura: trumpet; Satoko Fujii: piano.

Burning Wick

Tracks: Solar Orbit; Rain in the Wee Small Hours; Walking Through the Border Town; Neverending Summer; Mountain Gnome; Three Days Later; Burning Wick.

Personnel: Natsuki Tamura: trumpet; Satoko Fujii: piano; Hayakawa Takeharu: bass, voice; Tatsuya Yoshida: drums, voice.

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