Bunker Ulmenwell Orchestra
Libra, 2026
9/10
Listen to Bunker Ulmanwell Orchestra
The ever prolific Satoko Fujii starts here with her first of five orchestra albums, where the Bunker Ulmenwall Orchestra’s talents help fuel 5 involved pieces spread out over 2 discs.
“Shiki” occupies disc 1 and across 46+ minutes it unleashes frantic drumming, unpredictable brass and dizzying electronics that keep us enthralled from beginning to end.
Disc 2 leads with “Yamantaka”, where both soft and firm gestures unfold with strong attention to detail, while “Jasper” uses the winds strategically in a soothing fashion amid the building qualities.
“Gen Himmel” exits, and it’s an initially ambient delivery that ends up recruiting bright brass, harmonic winds and acrobatic drumming for the glorious finish.
A highly energetic performance, this recording was hidden in the archives of the the concert producer Wolfgang Gross. Thankfully this set from Bielefeld, Germany in 2014 is finally liberated, and it illustrates a dynamic setting, where the improvisation in a large setting is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Gen- Altitude 1100 Meters; Satoko Fujii Quartet- Dog Days Of Summer