Makoto Ozone - Three Wishes (1998)

Makoto Ozone's style is clearly tinged with Oscar Peterson's influences, and even if we tend to find "plans" or sounds very close from one disc to another, this pianist remains a sure value as his sense of rhythm and the musicality of his phrasing take on the guts. ~ CedMlis, Amazon.com. [Translated from French] 

Verve\Polydor Records, 557 562-2, 1998
Recorded 15th-17th November, 1997 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Makoto Ozone - Piano [Steinway]
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass
Clarence Penn - Drums
Wallace Roney - Trumpet (#2,3,6) 

Tracks:
01. Three Wishes (6:22)
02. 53rd St. Blues (5:57)
03. Myst (6:08)
04. Kelly's Other Tune (5:55)
05. Only We Know (6:36)
06. Don't Say "Monk"! (5:10)
07. Stinger Double (6:27)
08. No Siesta (6:44)
09. Embrace (5:36)
10. BQE (5:05) 

All Compositions by Makoto Ozone 

Total Time: 60:06 

Credits:
Producer - Makoto Ozone
Executive-Producer - Kazuhiko Koike
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Barbara Lipke
Mastering Engineer - Allan Tucker [Foothill Digital, NY]
Cover Design - Ruri Fujita
Photography - Kazunori Isaka 

Three Wishes

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

Jon Faddis - Teranga (2006)

After an extended layoff from studio recording, trumpeter Jon Faddis returns with Teranga. Taking its name from the Senegalese word for "hospitality," the album is an inspired and straightforward post-bop album and features Faddis in top form. Often driven by thick, acoustic basslines via Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Faddis' compositions are lush, visceral, and funky pieces that reveal the often-flashy trumpeter's more enigmatic and thoughtful inclinations. Longtime fans shouldn't fear, though, as Faddis' sparkling tone and trademark monumental range remain intact and are showcased throughout. Besides his superb backing ensemble that includes pianist David Hazeltine and drummer Dion Parson, Faddis has also brought along such sympathetic collaborators as Senegalese percussionists Abdou M'Boup and Alioune Faye as well as baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, trumpeter Clark Terry, and others. ~ by Matt Collar, AMG. 

KOCH Records, KOC-CD-9969, 2006
Recorded 6th-7th September, 2005 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, New Jersey 

Personnel:
Jon Faddis - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals, Arranger
David Hazeltine - Piano (#1-6,8,9)
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass (#1-6,8,9)
Dion Parson - Drums (#1-6,8,9) 

Guests:
Frank Wess - Alto Flute (#4)
Abdou Mboup - Djembe, Talking Drum (#4)
Alioune Faye - Sabor (#4)
Clark Terry - Flugelhorn, Vocals (#6)
Russell Malone - Guitar (#6,7)
Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone (#9) 

Tracks:
1. The Hunters & Gatherers {Jon Faddis} (6:38)
2. Hey, Lalo! {Jon Faddis} (5:37)
3. Waltz For My Fathers & Brothers {Jon Faddis} (5:17)
4. Teranga {Jon Faddis} (12:08)
5. The Courtship {Benny Carter} (6:34)
6. The Fibble-Ow Blues {Jon Faddis} (6:35)
7. Laurelyn {Jon Faddis} (5:56)
8. Transitions {Jon Faddis} (2:25)
9. The Baron {Jon Faddis} (4:55) 

Total Time: 56:11 

Credits:
Producer, Design, Packaging - Jon Faddis
Engineer, Mixing - Brian Dozoretz
Mastering - Adam Ayan
Design, Packaging - Michelle Lukianovich
Design, Packaging, Photography - John Abbott
A&R - David Wilkes
Public Relations - Gio Melchiorre
Liner Notes - Neil Tesser

Teranga