https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/tags/%E8%8B%A5%E4%BA%95%E5%84%AA%E4%B9%9F/ Recent content in 若井優也 on Jazz of Japan | Brian McCrory Hugo en Thu, 26 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/yuya-wakai-images/ Thu, 26 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/yuya-wakai-images/ <p>Joyful notes flow effortlessly from pianist Yuya Wakai as he confidently opens his solo piano album <em>Images</em>.</p> <figure><a href="L1200174-1024.jpg"> <img loading="lazy" src="L1200174-1024.jpg"/> </a> </figure> <p>His catchy exuberance is on display as he flies colorfully through chords reminiscent of Keith Jarrett’s fluid style. On ballads such as the charming “Easy To Love” and heartfelt “Over The Rainbow”, Wakai plays with a loving touch.</p> <p>Different sides of standard jazz and solo piano are portrayed among the eleven tracks. Exciting drama builds with a rock-ish, upbeat “Better Days Ahead” (Pat Metheny) and a pop exploration of “Great Day” (Paul McCartney) which evokes music Brad Mehldau might offer. A moving cover of a Japanese animation theme, “Aimo Tori No Hito” is included, played in a sad yet hopeful mood with deep meaning.</p>