Tamura, Natsuki/Satoko Fujii: Muku

Husband and wife team Natsuki Tamura (trumpet) and Satoko Fujii (piano) have teamed up to make Muku, a slightly darker effort than their recent Gato Libre release Forever. There is a deep feeling of melancholy and forlorn running through this album that I cannot help feel is a response to the recent passing of bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu. Of course, this is pure speculation on my part.

Muku is a combination of written and improvisational parts that on the whole provide some interesting pieces although this is not an album that is easy to digest after one listen. The music is very moody and spacious, often carrying a mournful vibe. The album's first track "Dune And Star" is a prime example. The trumpet lines almost have a funeral march quality with Middle Eastern accents embedded in the folds. As the trumpet continues, intermittent piano notes paint an even darker picture, emphasizing the melancholic nature of the album. A happy, feel good release this is not. The album's second track "In Barcelona, In June" features squelching trumpet lines with an avant-garde twist and moody piano excursions all with an Eastern European flair.

The most heart wrenching song is probably the subdued title track with its contemplative trumpet and piano. The experimental "Galvanic" follows suite and is perhaps the most unusual song with its jarring piano and trumpet lines that gather intensity as the seconds play out.

If you are in the mood for a more forlorn, melancholy and spacious sound you will likely be very happy with Muku. An album to listen to on gloomier, rain drenched days.

Track Listing:
1. Dune And Star (9:38)
2. In Barcelona, In June (5:12)
3. Muku (6:33)
4. Galvanic (3:32)
5. Patrol (5:37)
6. In Paris, In February (5:41)
7. Clone (7:15)

Added: January 7th 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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