On Mowna, the returning members from Yamaguchi’s sextet are Hiroko Mase on soprano sax, Hinata Ishii on tenor sax, and bassist Yamaguchi, and newly added members for this release are pianist Toshihiko Kohno and drummer Tomoyuki Okabe.

The word used as the title of the album is an unfamiliar one in both English and Japanese, but an explanation surfaces in small lettering on the front cover:

In Hindu philosophy, MOWNA (Silence), which has a voice of its own, refers to peace of mind, inner quietude, Samadhi and the Absolute Reality.

As Yamaguchi goes on to explain in the liner notes, the music he writes centers around a concept of inclusion and harmony, of welcoming in new listeners while satisfying the already jazz-acquainted. As a result, the music is nice straight-ahead jazz, relaxed and to-the-point frameworks that include pleasing two-horn harmonies (soprano and tenor sax) and plenty of room for uninhibited improvisation from the soloists.

Listening to the hard bop and walking beat of the band brings to mind the music of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the sounds of Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Jackie McLean (esp. track #6, “The Puzzle”), and the modern touch of Benny Golson compositions. There’s sophistication and elegance in the grounded approach. And, once you read the liner notes and the subtitle, a deeper vibration begins to appear: Yamaguchi’s search for peace and truth, inner calm and wisdom, while observing what’s around you, and reacting with confidence as the plan adjusts but control is maintained.

Yamaguchi’s nine songs are steadfast in their fulfillment of his concept. Track #1 “For George” is immediately easy to listen to and to understand, bringing outsiders into the fold quickly. Yamaguchi’s straight-ahead bass walking and Okabe’s pinpoint drumming anchors the good vibes and twin saxophone melodies that ornament the prologues and epilogues to the bulk of the songs, that is, the jazz solos. Also straightforwardly done, most of the improvisation space is allowed to soprano sax Mase and tenor sax Ishii. Pianist Kohno takes his fair share, as well, captivating and swinging. Yamaguchi features his own bass solos just a few times, composed while keeping the music solid and rooted throughout.

The next track #2 “The Search For Wholeness” lays out a calmer melody of peaceful stabilization over smooth Latin downbeats. #3 “Mowna” follows suit like a teacher guiding the calm melody over calm changes. #4 “Reaching The Peak” increases the tempo for elevated excitement, and #5 “You Know Something?” brings the pace back down for a breather, allowing time for pondering questions and considering answers… maybe as a prelude to the next track.

#6 “The Puzzle” is slightly aggressively tinged in order to stimulate the senses, where the composing is more Jackie McLean than Benny Golson. #7 “What Are You Seeking For?” bring further good-feeling swing moments, with swing/Latin switch-offs that pop up in several of the tunes on the album a la the Horace Silver or Jazz Messengers style. #8 “Daphne Odora” is another Latin-beat tune with a locked-in pulse and energetic solos from the two saxes. Finally, #9 is a peaceful final word, a piano feature that Kohno beautifully paints from start to end, while the horns provide soft harmonies and the steady bass and drums reassure us, on the way out, that everything is in good hands and will be fine.

Liner Notes

(Translated from Hiroyuki Yamaguchi’s original Japanese liner notes.)

Yamaguchi Hiroyuki Quintet

Formed during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, and held their first performance in December of that year. Played songs from the previous release Inner Perception/Thursday Night Sextet (What’s New Records, ) as a quintet. Received positive feedback and started composing new songs for the quintet immediately. Performed a live concert on April 24, 2021, from a repertoire of all new songs.

We continue to play concerts to realize the concept introduced in the previous release: To make melodies that linger in the hearts of those don’t normally listen to jazz, as well being appreciated by jazz fans.

The Musicians

紅野智彦 Toshihiko Kohno
(piano)

We first performed together in 2003 at Takadanobaba Intro. He has innumerable points that are wonderful, such as his gracefully swung eighth notes, finely controlled accompaniment, and tasteful backing chords. We performed together as part of Hiroshi Murata & The Bop Band, and at Asagaya Manhattan as jam session hosts. Since 2015, he’s been a steadfast pianist in my Thursday Night Sextet (TNS). He’s active as a leader of his own trio and as one of the most dependable sideman musicians.

ませひろこ Hiroko Mase
(soprano saxophone)

We first performed together at Asagaya Manhattan in 2015. I was amazed by her great technique, tone, poeticism, and rhythmic precision. She’s been a member of TNS since 2018. Despite having only a short preparation time before we recorded our previous album, she gave an incredible performance. She possesses a talent for deeply understanding the band’s repertoire and turning what is written on the page into gorgeous music. She has also released her original work with her “Multiverse Suite” project, and is involved in a diverse range of activities.

岡部朋幸 Tomoyuki Okabe
(drums)

We first performed together in 2020 at Odawara Spats. His tone is beautiful, and there’s a spring in the combination of his ride cymbal and hi-hat that gives a superb liveliness to the music as it pushes it forward. He immediately became a part of the quintet. His personality can be sensed in his how listens closely to the sounds around him and elevates the music to a conversation with ideas that fit the situation. He has experience studying abroad in Detroit and has recorded with the world-renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker.

石井ひなた Hinata Ishii
(tenor saxophone)

We first performed together in 2022 at Akasaka Bflat. I was impressed by his solid technique, poeticism, can-do spirit, and heartfelt performance. He joined the quintet in January 2024. He has the genius and ability to learn the repertoire in a short time and improvise high-quality solos. He started piano at four years old and released his piano solo album in 2022. Aside from jazz, he exhibits a versatile range as a member of a rock band and participation in overseas performances. He was 22 years old when we recorded this album.

山口裕之 Hiroyuki Yamaguchi
(bass)

Debuted with leading Japanese pianist Sadayasu Fujii’s trio. Moved to Tokyo in 2003. With experience drawn from being a part of many bands and sessions, currently serving as a regular bassist for groups including guitarist Yoshiaki Miyanoue’s band, trumpeter Hiroshi Murata & The Bop Band, and guitarist Jun Satsuma’s quintet. Acclaimed for his steady beat and rich tone. Released his first leader album Inner Perception in 2018. Working on making his own music from the heart.

Performance Notes

#1. For George

A piece for alto saxophonist George Robert. I was inspired by the performances of his double-leader band with Tom Harrell. In 2016, he passed away due to leukemia in his home of Switzerland. (He was 55 years old.)

#2. The Search For Wholeness

A quote from The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, an author who influenced me. The book asks, if by being captured by the past or future concerns, are you overlooking the present moment?

#3. Mowna

From the Sanskrit word for silence, maunam. A quote from the Indian philosopher Ramana Maharshi.

#4. Reaching The Peak

A song to describe the feeling of “We’re almost at the summit, let’s go for it!”

#5. You Know Something?

“Hey, listen to this…” Try to imagine the content of the story that follows.

#6. The Puzzle

Not about a puzzle game, but about someone who bewilders those around them. The song itself also strikes a confusing atmosphere.

#7. What Are You Seeing For?

From The Power Of Now, mentioned above. The words speak for themselves.

#8. Daphne Odora

The scientific Latin name for winter daphne. The song describes the fragrance of spring.

#9. Daydreaming

The image of being lost in thought in those intervals of free time.

Lastly

At a time when CDs that do not include famous songs may not sell well, and when subscription services are so popular that many people don’t own CD players, it may seem reckless to release an album of all original songs on compact disc. But, even if just one person likes a song on this album, I’ll be happy. I am grateful to everyone who bought this album, those who support us at our live shows, the band members, and the recording engineer.

山口裕之 Hiroyuki Yamaguchi

Obi Notes

Refined two-horn arrangements of melodies that will linger in the hearts of anyone who hears them

The long-awaited new album from bassist Hiroyuki Yamaguchi

Mowna

Hiroyuki Yamaguchi Quintet

Audio and Video

• “The Search For Wholeness” (track #2) — live performance:

• “Mowna” (track #3) — live performance:

• “Daphne Odora” (track #8) — live performance:

• Excerpt from track #1: “For George”

The opening song “First Contact” together with #4 “Spinning Petals” (a live version is included in a video below) and #9 “Have Fun”!” prop up the album’s core jazz tentpoles with straight-ahead frameworks reminiscent of the sound of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and Cannonball Adderley’s bands: energetic rhythm sections that frame unleashed improvisation from double horn front-lines.

Even more sides of Mase’s thought-through compositional ideas are evident on tracks like “Resurrection”, “Dimensional Door”, and the two-part “A Blue Green Planet I & II”. These pieces are modern and forward-looking, setting moods of otherworldliness and transcendence with uniquely mysterious and exploratory elements. On these, there is a sense of a cinematic spirit as with soulful Japanese westerns, especially in the catchy anthem “Resurrection” which was written during a period of illness for the composer.

Mase’s compositional style and focused vision may invoke the legendary Wayne Shorter, who was fascinated by pop art and comic books, space, and the unknown. Also similar is the fact that Shorter, in addition to being an early member of the aforementioned Jazz Messengers, was a tenor sax player also known for distinctive soprano sax playing and his renowned compositional genius… whether or not Shorter is an explicit influence on Mase, it’s still interesting to find similarities.

Concept albums in jazz are relatively rare, and while this album may not be considered a proper concept album with a storyline running through it (though her in-progress “Multiverse Suite” evolves the concept much more), there is definitely a strong theme and vision established here, from the colorful album design through to the fantastic music and elaborative song and liner notes. It’s clear that Hiroko Mase’s vision is also focused well beyond this first contact, expanding into her future through explorations with larger ensembles and various influences like Brazilian music, science fiction movies, and of course, the love for jazz that brings it all together.

Liner Notes

(Translated version of Hiroko Mase’s liner notes, originally in Japanese.)

When I was in music college, I heard Lester Young’s records. That was the first time I heard the music called jazz, and I can still remember what a monumental impact it had on me. What a world! After graduating, I spent every day working insanely hard to become a tenor sax player. But sadly, my chronic scoliosis got so bad that I was forced to quit performing. I stepped away from my beloved music and focused on recuperation for about 4 to 5 years. To me, jazz was such great music that when I heard it, it was hard to suppress the urge to play, so I forced myself not to listen to any music at all during that period.

At that time, there was a senior colleague who always encouraged me: Shoko Yamagishi, the leader of the band I played in before my hiatus. She planned a live performance featuring my original songs. Another senior colleague whom I had met for the first time substituted for me, Eiji Otogawa.

From my seat in the audience, I completely enjoyed the Shoko Yamagishi Quintet, and my appreciation for the musicians and the audience was unending.

Year by year my health improved, and a year after my recovery I was married to Eiji Otogawa. All things considered, I am indebted to Shoko Yamagishi. Thank you so much, Shoko!

For my restart in music, I chose the curved soprano saxophone which is less of a physical burden.

Starting from scratch, my first performance was busking in winter at Sukiyabayashi Crossing [in Ginza]. I chased down a thousand yen bill that had been blown by the wind into the middle of the intersection. I finally grabbed it, just barely, and upon looking back proudly I saw that the bassist’s nose had frozen.

Then, about four years later, I started thinking about starting my band with my original music. The Mase Hiroko Quintet was formed in July 2018. As for the members: Tenor sax Eiji Otogawa, whom I respect and trust. Genius pianist Nobumasa Tanaka, whom I have unending respect for every time we play together. On bass, Kosuke Ochiai with his unique and solid sound. On drums, Sota Kira with a beautiful timbre and magnificently addictive drumming.

It was our first time playing together, but from the moment we played the first melody… amazing!! How cool is this!? I was really excited. After the first song finished, we all had a feeling of being together as one. At that moment I decided to make a recording with this band. After that, we held live performances in and around Tokyo, and a year and a half later in the Spring of 2020 we reached the point of recording our first album, my dearest wish.

To everyone who has supported me up to now, I send my heartfelt love and gratitude: To my family, friends, musicians, club managers, customers, Tohru Fujimori (label), and Taishi Taruoka (engineer). And, to my husband Eiji Otogawa who supported me and produced, mixed, designed the CD jacket, and conducted the entire album process, thank you so much. Above all I am filled with love, gratitude, and respect for the wonderful musicians who I performed and spent time with. Thank you!! Please enjoy listening to this album!!

Hiroko Mase

1. First Contact

A song written when this quintet was formed. This song started everything, as the meeting of the members inspired and stimulated me with this piece. Here, I started to blossom as a composer. The three soloists’ enthusiastic passion is an essential characteristic of this band. The rhythm section swings with a lively beat. The day of First Contact for the Earth and the universe may be coming soon.

2. Eywa of Pandora

A piece inspired by the forest spirit “Eywa” from the movie Avatar. Spirits of light dance in a deeply beautiful and vivid forest world, and this song makes you feel the strength of life in that refreshing sensation.

3. Resurrection

This song with an orchestra accompaniment suddenly came to me while I was battling illness. At first, I thought it may be a requiem, but I thought maybe it was a sign from heaven, a sign of resurrection. The introduction starts with Kosuke Ochiai’s bass solo. Every note is engraved with moments that are uniquely and organically him.

4. Spinning Petals

A nimble rhythm and melody filled with a feeling of speed. The motif is of a scene of petals and leaves, spinning as they fall down, and the three soloists develop the scene of a changing landscape dramatically.

5. Long Road

Is life short, or is life long? No, time doesn’t really exist. As each person looks back on their life, each has their own story. Good things or bad things, life is like a journey of adventures called experiences.

6. A Blue Green Planet I

The world as seen from space. Problems like war, poverty, and racial discrimination persist. But the earth itself is beautiful as always. I wrote this song after watching the movie La Belle Verte and having my consciousness disconnected. Pianist Nobumasa Tanaka’s harmony is very beautiful.

7. A Blue Green World II
8. Get Smashed

Expressing through sound the condition of being in a drunken stupor. When viewed from the outside, being dead drunk cuts a humorous figure. To someone who declares “No more drinking!” and then quickly ends up defiantly drinking that night, I send this song to you wholeheartedly.

9. Have Fun!

The piano introductory phrases at the beginning are striking. The soprano sax solo starts with free expression to a full-throttle engine. The exhilaration of running feels so good. Eiji Otogawa’s soulful solo. He leads the band with his uniquely intense sound. Awakening the listener’s spirit, from a breathlessly suspenseful solo he passes the baton to the piano. A piano solo full of speed. The trio comes together as one, transforming freely, and powerful beats collide as the energy reaches its peak. And Sota Kira’s all-out drum solo. Combining power and beautiful tones, making use of all kinds of beats. The deep musicality, technique, and creative drumming thrills the band.

10. Dimensional Door

Opening the Dimensional Door and returning to your true self, there is a paradise of peaceful love. Bassist Ochiai leads the band with a spiritual and wonderful sound.

Looking to the Future

I have several years’ worth of musical projects inside me. This album is the first. This wonderful experience has ignited my desire to compose and awakened a variety of ideas. New sounds fusing vocals and instruments, situations imagining the universe, born naturally and progressing simultaneously. I plan to announce these three projects over the next several years. Please look forward to it.

Three Major Projects

“Mase Hiroko Quintet”

The nucleus of this project is the two-horn quintet form with great technique and thrilling interplay, a fascinating quintet.

“Mase Hiroko All Stars”

The quintet expands as additional musicians join with percussion, keyboard, electric bass, and the colorful acoustic/electric Brazilian sound of vocalist Nobie. The lyrics were co-written with Eiji Otogawa with a strong message and originality, exciting music for a unique band.

“Multiverse Suite”

A project overflowing with entertainment depicting a grand space adventure that transcends genres. The suite is made up of Episodes 1-7 which are currently in progress. A sense of cosmic sound can be felt through various visions from science fiction movies. The number of members is increased even further to become a large ensemble.

Lastly

My journey of exploring music has just begun. Building these projects together with these wonderful musicians is a beautiful, fun thing. I never thought that I could do something so difficult. But I’m gradually starting to understand that even the impossible becomes possible if you don’t give up. I want to continue to explore more interesting and exciting things. It makes me really happy if this can bring a smile to people’s faces. For everyone who picks up this CD and listens to it in some part of your everyday life, with our music close to you, I hope you have a wonderful time. With love.

September 2020

Audio and Video

• Excerpt from “Have Fun!”, track #9 on this album:

• Live performance of “Spinning Petals”, track #4 on this album:

• “Multiverse Suite 2021” Part 1:

• “Multiverse Suite 2021” Part 2:

• “Multiverse Suite 2021” Part 3:

• “Multiverse Suite 2021” Part 4:

• Excerpt from track #1: “First Contact”