Mayuko Katakura: Inspiration

Jazz of Japan #25 • Mar 1, 2018 • Brian McCrory

Pianist Mayuko Katakura’s 2009 debut album Inspiration immediately impresses. The album kicks off at a rapid pace with “Blues For Tyner”, a tribute to one of her jazz inspirations pianist McCoy Tyner. Right from this fierce opening, Katakura’s amazing technique is on full display with angular, acrobatic lines flying through this up-tempo tune.

In addition to speed, Katakura’s confident jazz piano sense extends to bluesy grooves and touching sensitivity. This is a pianist who plays with a dedication to the music and to those she has been inspired by. The ten tracks on Inspiration, with originals and nicely-arranged standards, make this a well-balanced set with a variety of tempos and moods.

Inspiration by Mayuko Katakura

• Mayuko Katakura - piano
• Yasushi Nakamura - bass
• Carl Allen - drums

Released in 2009 on Pony Canyon as MYCJ-30554.

Japanese names: Mayuko Katakura 片倉真由子 Yasushi Nakamura 中村恭士

Audio and Video

• Audio for the first track, “Blues for Tyner”
• Performance of “Linden Blvd” with Mayuko Katakura and the Kiyoshi Kitakawa trio