Pianist Sayaki Kishi and cellist Mayumi Sano released their first album together under the moniker Arco with Asymmetry in 2017. The pair’s music consists of original songs with a single Bach composition, all played in lovely and skillful arrangements. With more than a slight touch of classical elegance, the music spans various moods with verve: upbeat, fresh, somber, and refined. Although it may be apt to call this music classical-pop or pop-classical rather than typical jazz, the improvisational spirit and composed musicianship are definitely on display and quite enjoyable.

Asymmetry by Arco

• Sayaka Kishi - piano, melodion
• Mayumi Sano - cello

Released in 2017 on dandanorchestra as DAN-007.

Japanese names: 岸淑香 Kishi Sayaka 佐野まゆみ Sano Mayumi

Audio and Video

• Promotional video with samples from the album:

• Excerpt from track #1: “Asymmetry”

Jazz of Japan #8 • Jan 31, 2018 • Brian McCrory