Kazumi Ikenaga: Niwatazumi
Niwatazumi is a wonderful modern jazz record from drummer Kazumi Ikenaga and Pauseland, a Danish group described as ambient jazz with Scandinavian folk influences. Spacey original compositions and mature musicianship flow in a breathy, open style resembling a modern ECM recording. Relaxing and anthemic, the music on Niwatazumi (translated as a large puddle remaining after heavy rainfall) is at times mesmerizing and at other times gently rocking and grooving. It’s a captivating journey from a drummer’s quintet, focused on ethereal ambiance in a way that constructs scenes and visions drawn out of nature, memories, and the texture of life. ...