PAPATAMUS REDUX

LIBRA RECORDS 102 081 (RELEASED SEPTEMBER 19)

What do two Japanese jazz artists have in common with a German architect? Three words — “less is more!” Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized that phrase as a way of saying that beauty and impact are achieved by stripping down elements to their bare essentials. Pianist Satoko Fujii and her musical partner/husband/trumpeter Natsuki Tamara exemplify van der Rohe’s concept musically on Ki. Moving away from the density of earlier large ensemble recordings or the frenetic sessions with drummers and guitarists, Ki is definitely less — focusing solely on the clarion tone of Tamara’s trumpet and the crystalline sound of Fujii’s piano. More importantly, both players are economical in their use of notes and rhythms as they explore a set of eight original slow tempo ballads. Fujii admits that it was not easy for her play this music because it forced her to play less than she usually does. It’s the use of space and the resonance of her piano statements that provide the cushion upon which Tamura soars. There are no pyrotechnics or special effects. It is pure unadulterated improvisation between two masters in touch with themselves and the beauty of the music they create. Whether they are accompanying one another on the Asian influenced “Hinoki,” conversing with one another during the call and response section of “Kusunoki” or simply reacting to each other’s musical ideas on “Keyaki,” Fujii and Tamura achieve a sense of controlled intimacy on Ki. This “less is more” approach to music making is nothing new for the couple who have produced ten duo sessions to date. Some those records like In Krakow in November (2005), Kisaragi (2015) Pentas (2020), Alfot (2024) may have included one ballad in the style of Ki, but their latest record presents a full album of subtlety, silence and simplicity. With its calming and chamber-like nature, Ki could very well be the musical antidote to the chaos we are experiencing in today’s world. I look forward to more of “less is more” from Fujii and Tamura, whether that is a single track on their next session or another full album.

BOTTOM LINE:  This is not the first duo recordings from pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura. But it is the first time they recorded an entire session of original slow tempo ballads. This “less is more” approach to music making with its disciplined choice of notes, ample use of space and intimate conversation between the players is a welcome addition to the duos growing catalogue of music that always involves, inspires and invigorates listeners.