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Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York: Fukushima
BySatoko Fujii, the Japanese pianist/composer/conductor/band leader has something to say about this, with her CD release of Fukushima.
This five part, hour long personal contemplation of the disastershaped by Fujii and her Orchestra New Yorkbreathes into existence with "Part 1," via air blowing through instruments, a wafting of most essential and immediate necessity for the maintenance of life.
This sprawling symphony of sorts travels in a sometimes subdued manner over ominous terrain. The very electric guitar of Nels Clinein his first recorded appearance in the Orchestra New Yorkcreates searing but almost under-the-radar emissions of ionized radiation, knocking electrons off of the ambient atomic materials in its path. Horns enter. Sometimes they rage; sometimes they fall to their knees in anguish, or howl with pain, or ruminate in sorrow or in askance on the situation. The thirteen piece ensemblethree reeds and six brass, along with bass/guitar/drums rhythm teambreaks into smaller units, then swells into majestic plumes of virulent harmonies, or sharp spikes of tainted atomic material. In "Part 4," a stealthy subterranean moan lays a foundation for brash horn statements, labored breathing, and, ultimately, the chatter of distressed birdscanaries and sparrows engulfed in the invisible wash of deadly radiation. Then a powerful and relentless groove settles in.
The year 2017 has proven fruitful for Satoko Fujii, with five compelling CD releases, culminating with one of her career-finest: Fukushima.
Track Listing
Track 1; Track 2; Track 3; Track 4; Track 5.
Personnel
Satoko Fujii
pianoOscar Noriega: alto saxophone; Ellery Eskelin: tenor saxophone; Tony Malaby: tenor saxophone; Andy Laster: baritone saxophone; Dave Ballou: trumpet; Herb Robertson: trumpet; Natsuki Tamura : trumpet; Joey Sellers: trombone; Joe Fiedler: trombone; Curtis Hasselbring: trombone; Nels Cline: guitar; Stomu Takeishi: bass; Ches Smith: drums.
Album information
Title: Fukushima | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Libra Records