Another prodigious album, the third by the gifted Makiko Hirabayashi and her trio partners: bassist Klavs Hovman and drummer, percussionist Marilyn Mazur. Recorded in 2013 the trio entered the Realistic Sound studio in Munich and laid down thirteen tracks. Makiko is predominantly credited for writing eight of the tunes, but Marilyn Mazur also contributes three first-rate compositions and the remaining two small tracks are attributed to the trio as a whole. Fundamentally, the album showcases Makiko wonderful skills as pianist and compelling composer. Her sound is bright and alluring, sumptuously balanced by Klavs Hovman's exalting bass-lines, all the while backed by Marilyn Mazur's driving drum set. The listener is taken on a wide-ranging journey becoming truly lost in the scintillating rhythms and the majestic composure of Makiko's piano playing. In addition, on a few tunes Marilyn Mazur adds further colouring with her unique voicing. The interplay among the players is very sharp and crisp, utterly captivating and instantly enjoyable. In many ways, it is not an easy-listening album but one that engages the listener into a musical experience that is truly memorable, if not paradoxical. The trio ushers forth music that is seemingly full of contradictions, but this trifling simplicity is sustained by subtle complexity, creating an encounter that’s not diminished by further playtime, enjoy!
Enja\Yellowbird Records, yeb7738,
2013
Recorded 22nd, 23rd April,
2013 at Realistic Sound, Munich, Germany
Musicians:
Makiko Hirabayashi - Piano
Klavs Hovman - Bass
Marilyn Mazur - Drums,
Percussions, Voice (#7,11)
Tracks:
01. Surely {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (4:14)
02. Moon Bells {Makiko
Hirabayashi, Klavs Hovman, Marilyn Mazur} (1:08)
03. Asunder Asunder {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (5:38)
04. Life Of A Cactus {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (6:29)
05. Stepping On It {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (4:08)
06. Black {Makiko
Hirabayashi, Klavs Hovman, Marilyn Mazur} (1:28)
07. Ode To Okinawa {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (4:31)
08. Eagles And Angels
{Marilyn Mazur} (5:22)
09. Parachute City {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (2:25)
10. Våd Vinkel [Wet Angle]
{Marilyn Mazur} (5:19)
11. Paradox {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (5:49)
12. Challenge {Marilyn Mazur}
(2:05)
13. Indigo {Makiko
Hirabayashi} (2:30)
Total Time: 51:14
Credits:
Producer - Makiko
Hirabayashi, Werner Aldinger
Recording & Mixing -
Florian H. Oestreicher
Mastering - Christoph Stickel
Photography - Karolina
Zapolska
Cover Design - Franziska
Erdle [Gold-Unlimited.DE]
