On 64 Charlesgate, there are elements of free Ornette Coleman-style jazz, moments of simultaneous improvisation, and melodic cycles and horn loops similar to Dave Holland’s Quintet or even approaching John Zorn territory. Yet the music is not chaotically explosive, but more like playful abandon in the structured framework that Yoshimoto lays out for each track.

Kicking off the album, Yoshimoto’s “Funny Book” gets to the heart of the matter with quirky riffs parading vibrantly before introducing open sections for free improvisation. This song is played twice, included as both the album opener and closer in an alternate version. The choice to repeat this particular composition was perhaps made to emphasize the balance of cooperative unity and the individual passions of improvisation, combined also with a sense of humor and fun.

Picking album highlights is difficult as the whole album hangs well together with special characteristic moments in each song. As far as first impressions, fresh ears may perk up on track #2 “Trash Box”, the origami-like multifold form and rock groove, the slow buildup of #6 “Mud Drawing” and its well-developed outro section, and the exciting chase-scene energy and dramatic time shifts on #7 “Silly Rabbit” and #9 “Mr. R”.

The album also includes two shorter songs inserted like brief asides: Tracks #3 “Interlude” and #8 “Ocean add a suite or concept feeling to the entire album and calm the ears in less than two minutes each, like muted buffer zones of repose and curiosity.

Audio and Video

• The Akihiro Yoshimoto Quartet playing live in 2020 in support of his album “Moving Color”:

• Excerpt from track #1: “Funny Book”