Satoko Fujii: Message

LIBRA 203-080 [RELEASED MAY 9, 2025]

Satoko Fujji continues to explore the sonic possibilities of piano, trumpet and percussion on Message. And again, Fujii proves those possibilities are majestic, mesmerizing and mercurial with the support of long-time collaborator and life partner, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and percussionist Takashi Itani. There is a sense of cohesive independence as the three improvisers “go with the flow” on six distinctly different original compositions. The session opens with Fujii’s dense chord clusters setting the tone for “Message,” with an angular solo from Tamura and a strong percussive solo from Fujii. Itani’s fluid and inventive drumming adds the perfect rhythmic color to each. Tamura and Itani exchange musical passages before the trio resolves with the familiar chord clusters that serve as the foundation for “Message.” The frenetic quality of “Message” is balanced with the serenity of “Cryptography,” a meditative piece that features the majestic sounding trumpet of Tamura, the sparkling single notes of Fujii and the perfectly placed minimal beats of Itani. Although it begins with a sparse piano and drum duo, “Falafel Feast” evolves into a composition that would be perfect for John Zorn’s Masada Quartet. The mesmerizing Middle Eastern mood is enhanced with Tamura’s nigun-like chanting and the exotic rhythms of Itani. “Ernesto” captures the ebb and flow of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s life. Fujii captures the passion of Guevara’s story as Tamura’s wind-like effects add a sense of turbulence to the musical portrait. The final tunes “Never Mind” and “Orange Flicker” are like night and day. “Never Mind” grows from a drum solo to a fiery interaction between all players whereas the repetitive bell-like strikes of “Orange Flicker” result in a more triumphant and calming sound. Like a collection of short stories, the six selections on Message are full of well-developed twists and turns that will surely hold your interest.

BOTTOM: The trio of pianist Satoko Fujii, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and drummer Takashi Itani made their debut in 2018. Listening to the sound of the trio, Satoko Fujii exclaimed “This is it,” and aptly adopted that name for the group which recorded their second effort in 2021. Message is their newest recording and the message is clear — This Is It for music that energizes, soothes and captivates the listener.