Makoto Ozone Trio - No Strings Attached (1999)

Makoto Ozone was born in Kobe, Japan. He began playing organ at two and by seven was an improviser. At twelve he switched to piano after being impressed by the albums of Oscar Peterson. In 1980, he entered the Berklee College of Music and later worked with Gary Burton. He also had his recording debut in 1983 before returning to his native Japan. From then he has evolved into one of Japan's respected jazz pianists, noted for his collaboration with No Name Horses. In 1999, whilst in New York he assembled this working trio and produced this album. Joining him on bass is his long-term associate Kiyoshi Kitagawa and the great American drummer Clarence Penn. There is a lot of variety on this album with all members of this top trio formation showcasing a number of their own tunes: Makoto four, Kiyoshi three, Clarence three and one penned by Astor Piazzolla. Overall, this release is an exciting and dynamic post-bop affair. Makoto is superb as is both Kiyoshi and Clarence. As an entry point to Makoto’s playing and expertise any jazz lover will certainly be impressed. Not more to say other than sit back and enjoy the journey. 

Verve Records, POCJ-1450, 1999
Recorded 14th-16th March, 1999 at Avatar Studios, Manhattan, New York 

Musicians:
Makoto Ozone - Piano
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass
Clarence Penn - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Come Fly With Three {Clarence Penn} (4:10)
02. Oriental Rag {Makoto Ozone} (4:54)
03. Agua De La Música {Makoto Ozone} (5:56)
04. La Muerte Del Ángel {Astor Piazzolla} (4:19)
05. Michel {Makoto Ozone} (4:55)
06. In The Wee Hours {Clarence Penn} (5:32)
07. Kingdom Of The Drum {Clarence Penn} (4:07)
08. December Dream {Kiyoshi Kitagawa} (5:08)
09. Why Not? {Kiyoshi Kitagawa} (4:02)
10. Sincerity {Kiyoshi Kitagawa} (5:51)
11. No Strings Attached {Makoto Ozone} (5:31) 

Total Time: 54:25 

Credits:
Producer - Makoto Ozone
Executive-Producer - Kazuhiko Koike
Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Rory Romano
Mastering - Allan Tucker [Foothill Digital]
Liner Notes - Masahiko Yuh