Jazz of Japan

Share this post

Ken'ichiro Shinzawa: Piano Works

www.jazzofjapan.com

Discover more from Jazz of Japan

Introducing modern-day jazz of Japan through albums, musicians, and clubs
Continue reading
Sign in

Ken'ichiro Shinzawa: Piano Works

Brian McCrory
Apr 16, 2018
Share this post

Ken'ichiro Shinzawa: Piano Works

www.jazzofjapan.com
Share
cover image

Ideal for peaceful, calming piano, Ken’ichiro Shinzawa’s Piano Works features seven original compositions with a sweet purity in the musical message.

The slow, melodic music conveys a pure innocence, almost evoking Japanese Studio Ghibli movies with scenes of happy animated characters walking through peaceful woods and resting on hillsides. With song titles like “Gentle Breeze” and “Quiet Leaves”, the pianist may have been in a similar state of mind when composing these piano sketches.

The songs are well-structured and composed, calming and easily listenable, with no jagged corners or dissonant harmonics distracting from the relaxed mood. There is a slight Bill Evans feeling, with traces of melodies resembling songs that the famous jazz pianist was known for, like subtle hints of homage. One song, the 12-minute “Above the Sky”, contrasts with the generally serene mood and builds slowly with wild excitement, resembling a long Keith Jarrett-style vamping piano solo.

Piano Works by Ken'ichiro Shinzawa

  • Ken'ichiro Shinzawa - piano, composition

Released in 2009 on Iceblue Records as IBRC-8001. Re-released in HQCD format in 2012.

Japanese names: Ken'ichiro Shinzawa 新澤健一郎

album image

Audio and Video

  • Solo performance from Ken'ichiro Shinzawa

  • Excerpt from the first track on this album, "Two Lives":

1×
0:00
-0:45
Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade.
Share this post

Ken'ichiro Shinzawa: Piano Works

www.jazzofjapan.com
Share
Previous
Next
Comments
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Brian McCrory
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing