Search - Toshiko Akiyoshi :: Sketches of Japan

Some performers grow stronger with experience

jazzrenegade | Detroit, MI USA | 07/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion, this is one of Toshiko's strongest small group efforts. Six out of the seven tunes feature her trio consisting of Phillipe Aerts on bass, and Eddie Marshall or Carl Allen on drums. The last tune, Grooving In Yokohama, also feature Tomonao Hara on trumpet and Jo Yamada on alto sax for flavor. And for contrast, "Children In The Temple Ground" and "Tsurusaki Odori" feature introductions that sound like (or may be) Japaneese traditional folk songs, unlike anything I've ever heard on the hundreds of 'jazz piano trio' records I've listened to! Five out of the songs are strong originals by Toshiko, for those who want to hear something besides standards. The sound quality is excellent, the album was recorded by Jim Anderson, a fellow Michigan boy who has become one of the most sought after recording engineers of this generation. I can't recommend this album highly enough."