" I had been thinking about recording solo again for a long time. I wanted to discover what I am hearing in a very direct way.Sometimes improvisation is pretty much like looking at myself in the mirror. Improvisation mirrors myself most clearly somehow, and I really wanted to see myself with greater clarity " - Satoko Fujii
As you've probably already surmised from the above quote , Sketches is a solo effort by Japanese pianist extraordinaire Satoko Fujii . The record is completely improvised and showcases her exceptional compositional skills. Ms Fujii is across the board on this release. Darker,more delicate, introspective numbers( Seventh Moon , Watershed ) share the bill with more raucous tempestuous tracks ( Frozen Fire, Looking Back )and soulful melodies ( Clay Pot ). Throughout, Satoko Fujii puts on display her talents ;both for cohesive lyrical lines and discordant, agressive musical jabs.
The qualifier "genius" gets over used in the world of music, but I feel it is an appropriate adjective to describe Satoko Fujii . She has demonstrated an innate sense of form and feel through her various projects , which elevates her above most of her contemporaries. Although this disc may seem like a daunting challenge for the unitiated, fans of her inimitable style will be rejoiced with this raw slice of highly inspired playing.
Track Listing :
- Seventh Moon ( 5:37)
- Frozen Fire ( 4:46)
- Watershed (4:13)
- Tree Rings (6:27)
- Tin Can Cat(2:19)
- Clay Pot(6:02)
- Your Deepening Shadow(6:12)
- Dazzling Sunlight(7:37)
- Looking Back(6:42)
- Looking Everywhere(4:13)
- Look Up(7:07)
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