Message
Libra, 2025
9/10
The always unpredictable pianist Satoko Fujii is aligned with her trio, This Is It!, for a 3rd album that brings us 6 animated and unclassifiable tracks.
“Message” opens with Fujii’s rumbling keys alongside Takashi Itani’s frisky drums and Natsuki Tamura’s animated trumpet bouts, and “Cryptography” follows with intimate piano that leads into soulful brass in a lyrical manner.
In the middle, “Falafel Feast” comes with mystery and atmosphere via the rich trumpet and dreamy keys that are anchored by the soft drums, while “Ernest” showcases Fujii’s dizzying finger acrobatics with fascinating piano playing.
The final track, “Orange Flicker”, is also memorable, as glowing vibes and emotive trumpet are complemented by the mature key progressions.
An effort that balances improvisation and structure strategically, the strong attention to tonality and meshing of rock, classical and jazz makes for yet another outstanding installment of Fujii’s 100+ albums as leader.
Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black