福井亜実 on Jazz of Japan | Brian McCrory

Ami Fukui Trio: MCY

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It was a surprise when Ami Fukui released even more new songs and arrangements with her trio on her release MCY (2023) so soon after her previous trio album Nova Manhã (2022). It does fit well, though, when considering the two albums as a set, as if they were a double album released in two parts. In fact, the songs for both albums were recorded during the same two-day recording session in November 2011. It was an opportune time, as the trio had plenty of live experience together, along with a nice batch of Fukui’s original songs to work with.

Ami Fukui Trio: Nova Manhã

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pianist Ami Fukui continues her original jazz journey with Nova Manhã, her fourth leader album from 2022 with eight tracks running at about 45 minutes.

As with her previous releases Urban Clutter (2010), Amizm (2013), and New Journey (2016), this creative musician focuses her original music on the specific sound of her trio and her concept this time out. Seven of the eight tracks on this album are her own compositions. Her music is often colorful, perhaps with more calming hues on this release, and her unique blend of cool beats and pop melodies with a soulful smile runs through the music.

Ami Fukui Trio: Urban Clutter

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The twinkling chords which open Ami Fukui’s debut album Urban Clutter from 2010 shine like a crystalline spotlight, signaling the immediately satisfying sounds and clean, uncomplicated feel-good grooves of the music to come. This first album from the jazz pianist lays down the groundwork for Fukui to showcase her compositional skills for jazz piano trio, which she will explore further on her follow-up albums Amizm (2013) and New Journey (2016).

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.

Ami Fukui Trio: New Journey

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Ami Fukui’s third album New Journey grabs the listener’s attention with colorful, immersive songs, 11 well-crafted originals played with exciting energy and vigor.

Much of the music builds on strong rhythms and bassline hooks (credit given to Kudo and Fukumori, whose brightness and expert rhythms fit the music perfectly), over which catchy melodies soar.

Throughout the album, surprises and discoveries often surface – bonus interludes, doubled-up lines, coordinated syncopation, even some voice and handclaps - compositional embellishments that demonstrate Fukui’s dedication to careful songwriting which pleases the listener. The result: lush music that grooves with fun, pure and simple.