Search - Satoko Fujii :: Trace A River

The trio with Dresser and Black uses some of her jazziest writing and playing, full of jumping lines and lyrical passages. More recently, the group has been expanded to include Tamura on trumpet, but here they are back to their original lineup and it's in the classic piano trio setting that the influence of Fujii's former teacher Paul Bley comes out the most. While Trace a River sounds like the band's previous work, here perhaps it is more contemplative, softer and more pastoral at times. Dresser, of course, is more than able to fulfill his role here, generally keeping close to the pieces and supporting Fujii beautifully. The band's edge comes from Black's drums. He's just as tight in the pieces, but pushes to an unexpected degree. Where this could have been a brush-and-cymbal affair, Black underlines rather than accentuates, solidifying the melodies. --All About Jazz
Tracks: Trace A River; Take Right; Manta; A Maze Of Alleys; Day After Tomorrow; Kawasemi; February. Personnel: Satoko Fujii: piano; Mark Dresser: bass; Jim Black: drums.