Fumio Karashima Quintet - Avanti (1988)

Here we have one of Fumio Karashima’s earlier albums, where he assembles a dynamic quintet that features a powerful two-saxophone lineup and arranged entirely by the group. All selections on the album were composed by the leader and Japanese pianist Fumio Karashima, with the exception of the classic jazz standard 'Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk. The other players include saxophonists Toshihiko Inoue and Masahiro Fujioka, bassist Ikuo Sakurai and drummer Shingo Okudaira. Essentially it is a highly polished album meticulously recorded [DR15] with all tracks played exceptionally well. Recommended! 

Polydor Records, H33P-20287, 1988
Recorded in September 1988 at Studio Key-Stone, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Fumio Karashima - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]
Toshihiko Inoue - Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax
Masahiro Fujioka - Soprano Sax, Alto Sax
Ikuo Sakurai - Double Bass
Shingo Okudaira - Drums

Tracks:
1. Avanti {Fumio Karashima} (5:54)
2. Greeting {Fumio Karashima} (7:48)
3. Quiet Moment {Fumio Karashima} (7:21)
4. One For Him {Fumio Karashima} (11:31)
5. Ivory Coast {Fumio Karashima} (6:20)
6. 'Round Midnight {Thelonious Monk} (5:20)
7. I Wish You Were Near {Fumio Karashima} (4:45) 

Total Time: 49:01 

Credits:
Producer - Fumio Karashima, Masa Marumo
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Teruaki Kitagawa
Assistant Engineer - Masatsuna Chubachi
Technician [Piano Tuner] - Mikio Watanabe
Management - Jiro Shinagawa
Design - Akihiro Yasuda

LINK

Avanti [Live]

Fredrik Kronkvist - On The Move (2017)

For this album Fredrik assembles a quartet consisting of correspondingly resourceful players, that include pianist Martin Sjöstedt, bassist Amin Salim and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. These four decidedly capable musicians execute eleven fiery original compositions by Kronkvist. 'On The Move' is a newly created ‘urban music’ style in which the four skilled members come together to provide an example of what it can sound like if the usual brass-plus-accompaniment formula is shelved. What we now call jazz is linked together with that of a collective improvisational music from many cultures. This is explicit, as in the small "Laid-Back Move", and "Tyner's Island" that borrows dance rhythms from the Caribbean. Kronkvist makes extensive use of his soprano saxophone, and with it, arguably, he accomplishes an even more exquisite tone than with the alto. "Levitation" is a number where Hutchinson displays his prowess. "Abstract Move" is another mini-tune, as is the jazz-rock flavoured "Next Move" that closes the album. 'On The Move' the listener is treated to a kind of modal defined suite, built on a series of long and short phrases or themes, moves in which harmonics are often repeated. 'On The Move', is another Fredrik Kronkvist album which will stand the test of time as valuable example of modern creative jazz. 

Connective Records, CTV36538, 2017
Recorded 15th October, 2015 at The Village Recor4ding, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Fredrik Kronkvist - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Martin Sjöstedt - Piano
Ameen Saleem - Bass
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Epic Takedown (5:29)
02. Essential (7:33)
03. Letting Go (6:47)
04. Laid-Back Move (0:38)
05. The Healer (5:15)
06. Tyner's Island (3:38)
07. Glowing (4:08)
08. Abstract Move (1:00)
09. Morning Star (4:00)
10. Levitation (4:10)
11. Next Move (0:48) 

All compositions by Fredrik Kronvist 

Total Time: 43:29 

Credits:
Producer - Fredrik Kronkvist
Executive Producer - Mirian Aida
Recording Engineer - Thomas Vang
Mixing & Mastering - Anders Wall [Wallofsound]
Cover Design - Cronographics
Cover Photos - Sten Hnssons, Torben Waldorff

LINK

Glowing