Noriko Kojima - Lush Life (2008)

Here we have Noriko’s fourth album as a leader continuing on from Norinote (2005). For this album she along with guitarist Tomoo Yamaguchi join together in two quintet formations that incorporate six other fine Japanese musicians as listed below. Eight of the ten tunes are her own compositions with the other two jazz standards; I Hear A Rhapsody and Lush Life, the album’s title track. Like her previous works Noriko displays masterful skill as both a competent composer and brilliant musician. Equally much credit is due to the other players which compliment her playing perfectly with some wonderful soloing, enjoy! 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2196, 2009
Recorded 23rd & 27th November, 2008 

Musicians:
Noriko Kojima - Alto Flute, Flute, Piccolo Flute
Tomoo Yamaguchi - Acoustic Guitar 

#1,7-10
Kiichi Futamura - Piano
Katsuto Suzuki - Bass
Yasukuni Mizuguchi - Drums
#2-6
Junichiro Ohkuchi - Piano
Moriyoshi Sibuya - Bass
Shota Koyama - Drums 

Tracks:
01. I Hear A Rhapsody {George Fragos, Jack Baker} (6:33)
02. Bridge In The Afternoon {Noriko Kojima} (6:56)
03. For Better Days {Noriko Kojima} (6:44)
04. When The Moon Hugs The Shore {Noriko Kojima} (5:10)
05. Hototogisu～The Water Clock {Noriko Kojima} (7:21)
06. The Shade Of Wisteria {Noriko Kojima} (3:21)
07. Seven Ways To A Kiss {Noriko Kojima} (6:20)
08. Mythic Goblin {Noriko Kojima} (6:13)
09. Lush Life {Billy Strayhorn} (5:03)
10. Crane Is Flying In The Dream {Noriko Kojima} (6:22) 

Total Time: 60:13 

The Shade Of Wisteria

Live at JZ Brat (2009)