Kawaguchi, Senri: E-Magination (Live at Blues Alley Japan)

Japanese drummer Senri Kawaguchi is just 29 years old, but at a mere 9 years old was already playing with heavyweights such as members of Fragile. You may know of her from Kiyo-Sen or NanKAI TRIO, but get ready for her and this latest pairing to blow your mind.

“E-Magination (Live at Blues Alley)� has Senri teamed up with Yuya Komoguchi (guitar) Jun Tomoda (keys), Yoshiki Takahashi (bass). You don’t need to get past the opening “Infinite Possibility� to know you’re in for something special. I love the balance found throughout the performances, the band blends songcraft and soloing tastefully. “Am Stram Gram� is melodic relying more on keyboards, while both bass and drums get a chance to step out in spots. Komoguchi is an incredibly melodic guitarist one minute and then rips your head off the next.

Let’s not kid ourselves, as good as the melodic moments are, we are drawn to the fire. The second half of the album is stunning, the entire band shines and displays energy alongside the incredible chops. “Onyx� kicks off with a funky groove, as the guitar lays down the melody. The band is so tight and on point, but wait until you get to the false ending, they absolutely explode after fooling us. The closing three tracks show the band is out for blood, and Yuya is at his best, his tone and mastery of the guitar are impressive. He makes these songs sing; I could listen to him playing all day.

I hope we hear more from this quartet, but may I add that live is how you want to hear them. Easily a contender for album of the year, I hope they decide to do more together, an unbeatable combination of musicians.

Favorite Tracks: “Onyx�, “Flux Capacitor�, “Raging Spur�, “Longing Skyline�

Track Listing
1. Infinite Possibility
2. Am Stram Gram
3. Turn Right
4. In Three Ways
5. Onyx
6. Winds
7. Ginza Blues
8. Longing Skyline
9. Flux Capacitor
10. Raging Spur

Added: September 17th 2026
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
Hits: 7
Language: english

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