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)

Noriko Kojima - Norinote (2005)

Born in Meguro Ward, Tokyo. Noriko grew up listening to a lot of classical music, her engineer father played whilst working at home. At four with her older brother, she learned to play the violin. Later, while in college, she became interested in jazz and took up the flute. This led to entering the Musashino Conservatory of Music and after graduating, she studied under Yoshio Otomo, Toshihiko Inoue and Hirohiko Watanabe, all well-known Japanese jazz musicians. Today, she continues to play the flute, cherishing the warm tone and the groove feeling that uniquely lends itself to jazz. As a jazz musician she has developed an excellent sense of sound and improvisation; coupled with a fine understanding of melody, utilizing phrases that fly like the wind full of inimitable nuances. In 1987, she formed her own quartet and has gone on to interact with many musicians and perform many live performances. Essentially, her style imbues a deep and emotional groove articulated in her rich tone that is quite sublime. This album is her third as a leader and is joined by other fine Japanese musicians. Four of the nine tunes are her own compositions with the remainder a careful selection of popular jazz tunes. Overall, it is album that will continue to grow on any jazz flute enthusiast and any music lover, enjoy! 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2158, 2005 

Musicians:Noriko Kojima - Flute
Kiichi Futamura - Piano
Tomoo Yamaguchi - Guitar
Moriyoshi Shibuya - Bass
Junji Hirose - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Four O'Clock Train {Noriko Kojima} (6:15)
2. Vega {Noriko Kojima} (7:00)
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine {Harold Arlen} (6:38)
4. We'll Be Together Again {Carl Fischer} (6:05)
5. New York Bossa {Steve Grossman} (6:40)
6. Umbrellas Of Cherbourg {Michel Legrand} (6:07)
7. Sasanqua {Noriko Kojima} (7:43)
8. Black Panther In Johor Bahru {Noriko Kojima} (5:04)
9. Triste {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (7:21) 

Total Time: 58:53 

Black Panther In Johor Bahru