Hō‘ihi
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The esteemed Hawaiian drummer Noel Okimoto delivers a diverse selection of modern jazz tracks here, where a small handful of players accompany him and tributes are paid to Gabe Baltazar and Wayne Shorter.
“Cachorra” starts the listen with Abe Lagrimas Jr.’s fluid vibes alongside Okimoto’s dynamic drumming for a very animated landscape, and “Up Syndrome” follows with a calmer mood, as reserved drumming is met with Allen Won’s flowing sax and Dean Taba’s bouncy bass that picks up the pace.
Into the middle, “Patina Ballerina (For the Cymbal Smiths)” showcases Haru Takauchi’s spirited guitar amid the meticulous drums, while “Wayne (Ing) Days (For Wayne Shorter)” layers DeShannon Higa’s soaring trumpet over the skilled rhythm section for a rich album highlight.
Nearing the end, the many grooves of “Nine And A Half” won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, and “Opuscule for Rowan” exits with Michael Grande handling electric piano for the light melodies and uplifting ambience of the cozy finish.
An eclectic outing that embraces hard bop and fast odd meter samba, among other ideas, Okimoto and company flesh out all originals with much swingin’ and timeless appeal.
Travels well with: Yuka Mito- How Deep Is The Ocean; Steve Smith And Vital Information- New Perspective