Description
“I want to hear more of Ryo Fukui’s playing.” The dream of listeners around the world has become a reality. This is a stunning live performance by Fukui, brimming with the mature charm he developed alongside Slowboat.
This is surely what it means to be overjoyed: the arrival of a “new” Ryo Fukui. The recording was made on June 26, 2004. It is a live recording commemorating the ninth anniversary of Slowboat, the jazz live house founded and run by Fukui. The trio consists of Fukui, Kosuke Sakai (bass), and Yoshito Eto (drums). Fukui was 56 at the time. His playing is powerful and expansive, yet delicate and incisive. In terms of the balance of mental and physical strength, technique, and other factors, he was truly entering his mature period. He weaves through the music of his revered Phineas Newborn Jr. and Tommy Flanagan with richness and elegance, while thrillingly striking out at the Wayne Shorter whose music he admired in his youth. This is a stunning performance that reflects Fukui’s fulfillment during this period. Slowboat, which opened in June 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)
Tracklist:
Side A
1. Eclypso (Tommy Flanagan)
2. Relaxin' at Camarillo (Charlie Parker)
Side B
1. Come Sunday (Duke Ellington)
2. Cookin' at the Continental (Horace Silver)
Side C
1. Stella by Starlight (Victor Young)
Side D
1. Juju (Wayne Shorter)
2. Harlem Blues (Phineas Newborn Jr.)
HRLP367/368-A1-A2
HRLP367/368-B1-B2
HRLP367/368-C1
HRLP367/368-D1-D2
