Ayumi Koketsu never ceases to amaze. Since her 2010 debut with Struttin’, the traditionally inclined alto saxophonist has released an album every year and each one seems to out-do the previous. With her 2016 release Art, she pays tribute to one of the greatest of alto players, Art Pepper. Koketsu pulls all the stops to make a proper homage. She plays only Pepper-compositions or songs widely attributed to him. She is backed by an all-American rhythm section, players who are well versed in West Coast jazz despite residing in New York. In fact, she recorded the album in the Big Apple, a place where Pepper found a resurgence during the latter part of his career (encapsulated by his historic three days at the Village Vanguard). Although it would be easy to update these songs to fit a more contemporary sound, Koketsu sticks to tradition and plays these classics straight-ahead. This makes Art feel like a proper tribute to the man’s artistry. She captures Pepper’s sound so closely that you could swear it was an unreleased recording by Pepper during his prime. Her musical ideas never seem to let up as she blows through verse after verse of tight phrases. She even manages to master Pepper’s particular sense of trading fours, leading to a joyous interaction between her and veteran jazz drummer Mark Taylor. However, this is what makes Art problematic at times. Koketsu is no doubt a technically skilled player but it is hard to differentiate her from the legend she is honoring. All too often, it sounds like Koketsu trying to mimic Pepper's sound instead of throwing in her own flair, a style that has been evident in her previous albums. However, this does not make the album forgettable. Koketsu’s playing is rightfully tender and subdued, yet still gracefully passionate. Art leaves fans of Koketsu wanting more, especially since she has generated quite a bit of hype with jazz crowds. Still, Art is nothing more than a tribute to a man who has mastered Koketsu’s instrument, and what a fine tribute it is. Koketsu plays these tunes with never before heard assurance. It only leaves us hungry for her next outing…~ Extract by Nathan Nicolau, rokkupanku.wordpress.com.
M
& I Records,
MYCJ-30653, 2016
Recorded
24th, 25th, 27th February, 2016 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York City
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
Jeremy Manasia - Piano
Mike Karn - Bass
Mark Taylor - Drums
Tracks:
1.
Cool Bunny {Art Pepper} (5:12)
2.
Straight Life {Art Pepper} (4:28)
3.
Imagination {Jimmy Van Heusen} (6:11)
4.
Diane's Dilemma {Art Pepper} (4:57)
5.
Bésame Mucho {Consuelo Velazquez} (6:02)
6.
Holiday Flight {Art Pepper} (3:52)
7.
Patricia {Art Pepper} (6:20)
8.
When You're Smiling {Larry Shay} (4:54)
Total Time: 41:57
Credits:
Producer
- Hiro Yamashita
Executive-Producer
- Ryuichi Sawazaki
Engineer
- Max Ross
Mastering
- Yuta Tada
Release
Coordinator - Tomoatsu Tamari
Art
Direction, Design - Tadashi Kitagawa
Photography
- Toru Kometani
Liner
Notes [Art Pepper] - Ayumi Koketsu
