Dog Days Of Summer
Libra, 2024
9/10
After 18 years on hold, the pianist and composer Sakoto Fujii resurrects her jazz rock quartet for these 7 adventurous tracks.
The bright and animated “Not Together” opens with Natsuki Tamura’s lively trumpet alongside the jagged bass work from Hayakawa Takeharu, and “Haru wo Matsu” keeps the setting unpredictable via the frisky keys courtesy of Fujii.
“A Parcel For You” and “Circle Dance” reside in the middle. The former is a dense and dynamic album highlight that’s populated by Tatsuya Yoshida’s pounding drums amid the soulful horn, while the latter is strong on atmosphere and rhythmic gestures.
The final selection, the title track, then grooves with a thicker presence that’s more rock focused and showcases all the player’s inimitable talents with melody and density.
A triumphant return for the quartet, this prog/rock/jazz hybrid is nothing short of powerful in its odd meters and fusion fun that few others could replicate.
Travels well with: Satoko Fujii/Natsuki Tamura- Aloft; Ize Trio- The Global Suites