Toshiko Akiyoshi co-led (with her husband Lew Tabackin) one of the most exciting post-bop bands for several decades until finally disbanding it early in the 21st century. These 1976 studio sessions make up one of her best overall albums, which includes performances of four originals. "Studio J" actually dates from 1957, while the pianist was studying at Berklee, and was originally recorded in a trio setting. Akiyoshi stretches out for several choruses, and Bill Reichenbach contributes a pair of solid trombone solos. "Transience" is a richly textured ballad that showcases baritone saxophonist Bill Perkins, trombonist Britt Woodman (a Duke Ellington alum), and Gary Foster on soprano sax. "Sumie" features Tabackin's mesmerizing flute (an instrument for which he should receive wider acclaim); he also uses a piccolo later in the piece. "Minamata" is an elaborate three-part suite that features a 13-year-old vocalist (Michiru Mariano), a fine flügelhorn solo by Bobby Shew, and narration by several Japanese artists, resulting in a stunning tone poem. Sadly, this rewarding RCA LP has not been reissued in the United States, though it was put out by BMG in Europe in 2002. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
1. Studio J
2. Transience
3. Sumie
4. Minamata: Peaceful Village; Prosperity & Consequence; Epilogue
BOBBY SHEW trumpet
RICHARD COOPER trumpet
JERRY HEY trumpet
MIKE PRICE trumpet
BILL REICHENBACK trombone
CHARLIE LOPER trombone
BRITT WOODMAN trombone
PHIL TEEL trombone
DICK SPENCER alto saxophone
GARY FOSTER alto saxophone
LEW TABACKIN tenor saxophone, flute
TOM PETERSON tenor saxophone
BILL PERKINS baritone saxophone
DON BALDWIN bass
PETER DONALD drums
TOSHIKO AKIYOSHI piano
HAYAO UZAWA kotsuzumi
TADAO KAMEI ohtsuzumi
HISAO KANSE utai
HIROMITSU KATAD kakko
MICHIRU MARIANO voice
All music composed by Toshiko Akiyoshi
Recorded June 22, 23 & 24, 1976 at RCA Studio "A", Hollywood, California
RCA - R32J-1041 Japan