小泉P克人 on Jazz of Japan | Brian McCrory

Nobie: Primary

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nobie is a multi-talented artist whose musical and professional paths started at a young age. These included learning the violin and piano which led to voice, percussion, and pharmacy studies, and through many genres like jazz, soul, pop, and Brazilian music.

Her storied journey includes forays in the bands of renowned Brazilian bass player Luizão Maia (partnered with Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, and others—coincidentally, Nobie’s even been described as “the Japanese Elis Regina”), Soil & Pimp Sessions pianist Josei’s Alma+ band, famous Brazilian guitarist Toninho Horta, influential Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke, and the popular Japanese jazz/samba/fusion of Shinichi Kato’s B-Hot Creations.

Yoshihito “P” Koizumi P-Project: By Coincidence

Wed, 05 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Jazz, soul, and funk bassist Yoshihito “P” Koizumi is an active member of a number of Japanese jazz groups and events, and the 2011 album By Coincidence marks his debut release as “P-Project” featuring Jun Miyakawa on keyboards and Kohzo Komori on drums. With nine tracks and a running time of 34 minutes, the album is full of funky beats, laid-back grooves, retroesque electronic keyboards, and slick bass lines.

Inspiring an easy-go-lucky party mood, the short songs are all of a piece, several even with unassuming titles such as “Sound Check”, “Track”, “Jam 1”, “Jam 2”, and “Jam 3”. It’s easy to put on the album, kick back, and let the music flow and invigorate the mood without any worries.

Ami Fukui: Amizm

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Ami Fukui’s second album Amizm advertises “Mellow and Groovy” on the label, and delivers a nice package of funky, Electrik Band-styled jazz. Amizm, this version of Fukui’s jazz piano trio format, brings together piano, electric keyboards, slick electric bass, and exciting drumming to imbue a classic and bright fusion jazz sound to Fukui’s modern compositions.

The longer tracks #2 “Lion’s Empire”, #4 “Absinthe”, and #8 “Jungle City” showcase these characteristics best and build on Fukui’s trademark creativity. Her song craft is as sweet as ever and includes catchy melodies and transitions, joyful rhythms, and groovy riffs used to great dramatic effect.