Katarahi
Rogue Art, 2026
9/10
The pianists Satoko Fujii and Myra Melford turn in a live record, where the 7 tracks see the pair complementing each other in playful, intimate and exciting ways via their distinct brand of jazz.
“Interlude I” opens with the pair emitting turbulent but also gentle piano playing amid the dynamic start, and “Signpost” follows with their rare chemistry making for percussive ideas, frisky gestures and both cohesive and seemingly distanced approaches with much awe.
“Chalk” and “Kaiwa” occupy the middle spots. The former carries a melodic undertone of dreaminess, while the latter captivates us for 10+ minutes with its explosive bouts, colorful patterns and sonic allure.
“From Sometime” exits, and embraces abstract, raw and a contolled chaos sort of approach that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else.
The title of the album means a heart-to-heart conversation between intimate friends, and Fujii and Melford seemingly have a lot more to discuss across this fascinating, avant-garde journey into piano fueled jazz.
Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black