Sachiko Ikuta Trio: Haru No Kaze
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Sachiko Ikuta Trio: Haru No Kaze
A jazz pianist who balances lyricism with boldness, Sachiko Ikuta leads a piano trio on Haru No Kaze (Spring Wind) from 2012. Legendary jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino also joins on two songs, adding an adventurous splash of avant-garde improvisation to the album.
Starting with the title track “Haru No Kaze”, the sense of an overture is felt through the light Japanese touches of a sweet melody which turns into the whirling winds of a solid jazz piano trio locking into a tune together. The next track, “Last Tango In Paris”, introduces a mood of evocative drama and intrigue with a relaxed beat.
The album’s nine songs feature classic jazz standards, songs by Bills Evans and Thelonious Monk, two original compositions, and a charming reconstruction of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” which swings gracefully. Ikuta even puts her well-rounded solo piano on display with a confident rendition of “Everything Happens To Me”, showcasing her dedication to the tradition of great jazz pianists.
Haru No Kaze by Sachiko Ikuta Trio
Sachiko Ikuta - piano
Hideaki Kanazawa - contrabass
Shun Ishiwaka - drums
Terumasa Hino - trumpet, cornet (#3, 6)
Released in 2012 on Studio TLive Records as XQHG-1007.
Japanese names: Sachiko Ikuta 生田さち子 Hideaki Kanazawa 金澤英明 Shun Ishiwaka 石若俊 Terumasa Hino 日野皓正
Audio and Video
Excerpt from "Haru no Kaze", the first track on this album: