| azzTimes (3/02, p.74) - "...such range is evident in pianist Satoko Fuji's multifaceted [release]....the contemplative nature of her work...is characteristic: composition and improvisation merge seamlessly..."
What impressed me deeply about APRIL SHOWER was its open, heartfelt melodic adventures, reflecting the ever-developing talents of composer/pianist Satoko Fujii. On this collection of songs, she is joined by the brilliant jazz violinist, Mark Feldman. Both artists soar in this collection, with songs written by Fujii, and songs written by Feldman and Fujii.
15 selections are on this imaginative CD of contemporary jazz. Songs include: "April Shower," "Mirage," "Inference," "After You Have Gone," "Then I Met You," "In The Morning," "In Parenthesis," "I Know You Don't Know," "The Snow Was Falling Slowly," "Gnome," "Nice Talking To You," "Behind The Notes," "A Strange Piece Of News," "Right Before You Found It," and "White Sky."
Satoko Fujii is one of the most eclectic jazz pianists creating music today, and in this collection, she steps out on her own as the brilliant stylist she is at the keyboards. Listening to her solo performance on "After You Are Gone" helps one realize fully that this is a one of a kind pianist, one that is not afraid to experiment and journey, and to share that journey with the jazz audience.
Accompanying Satoko Fujii is violinist Mark Feldman. Whether performing solo, or in unison, this duo situation works very well, and it is enjoyable to hear what they create!
"White Sky" is a true jazz original, filled with longing and desire, melancholy and joy, spirituality and sensuality, fun and amusement --- all of these jazz motifs swirling around in a setting that is both serene and lively. Two other invigorating works are "April Shower" and "Gnome." Be prepared for a wild ride on "In The Morning" and "A Strange Piece Of News." Each song in this CD collection is realized in an experimental vision that becomes contemporary jazz reality with each song having a uniqueness that is hard to define. "Behind The Notes" is a song that will capture the attention of many jazz pianists as well as listeners.
For fans of Satoko Fujii and Mark Feldman, this is a classic duo doing a classic, original work in the area of contemporary jazz. APRIL SHOWER will make the breakthrough for gifted jazz pianist Satoko Fujii with its original strokes of genius and innovative contemporary jazz piano sounds. APRIL SHOWER is a winner. Excellent and flawless. |