Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Satoko Fujii Orchestra NY: Undulation

179

Satoko Fujii Orchestra NY: Undulation

By

Sign in to view read count
Satoko Fujii Orchestra NY: Undulation
Turbulence is a defining characteristic of Satoko Fujii's big band projects, where sections of collaborative sonic turmoil roar into moments of no-holds-barred soloing, with the segments of quirky tranquility sneaking in the back door.

Undulation, one of four simultaneously released Fujii big band efforts by the ever-prolific pianist/composer/bandleader, features her longest-standing large ensemble, the Satoko Fujii Orchestra NY, a fifteen-piece ensemble that includes some of the Big Apple's most adventurous jazz musicians: reedmen Tony Malaby, Ellery Eskelin and Andy Laster; trumpeters Natsuki Tamura and Steven Berstein; and trombonists Curtis Hasselbring and Joey Sellers.

On Fujii's "Wood"—all the tunes on Undulation are by the leader—the band begins with an incomprehensible chant before they bombast into an adrenaline-juiced marching band mode that skids to a stop to allow Curtis Hasselbring and Joey Sellers to involve themselves in a restrained, thoughtful trombone conversation, until the rhythm pops back in, followed by some classical harmony with the 'bones blowing over the top, in a segment that sounds almost mainstream.

On the title tune, after huge blast of reed/brass wind, Fujii's piano moves center stage, with an opening solo that starts dark and dense before it tranfsorms itself into a delicately pretty sound, like a glass wind chime in a gentle breeze, as bellicose horns blow in trying to shatter the surpisingly durable rectangles of glass.

Fire, a Fujii composition also included on Kobe Yee!! (Crab Apple Records, '06) with her Orchestra Kobe, has an ominous feeling, starting with some rich harmony swelling out of a gentle drum rhythm. Restraint and majesty trade back and forth, and an intricate drum solo gives way to horns that give way to an introspective, sharp-angled reed rumination by Tony Malaby.

Undulation presents Satoko Fujii at the top of her big band game.

Visit Satoko Fujii on the web.

Track Listing

Metal; Water; Wood; The Moon; The Sun; Undulation; Fire; The Earth.

Personnel

Oscar Noriega, Briggan Krauss: alto saxophone; Ellery Eskelin, Tony Malaby: tenor saxophone; Andy Laster: baritone saxophone; Natsuki Tamura, Herb Roberston, Steven Bernstein, Dave Ballou: trumpet; Curtis Hasselbring, Joey Sellers, Joe Fielder: trombone; Satoko Fujii: piano; Stomu Takeishi: bass; Aaron Alexander: drums.

Album information

Title: Undulation | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: NatSat Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.