The current incarnation of Gato Libre is a trio with trumpeter/composer Natsuki Tamura, accordionist Satoko Fujii, and trombonist Yasuko Kaneko. Koneko, recorded last December, begins with Kaineko. Tamura’s plaintive trumpet and Kaneko’s mournful trombone trade lines to begin, with Fujii’s touchingly fragile accordion joining in. The nearly seven minutes of the tune take them through a maze of musical locales. There are passages of frenzy and others of peaceful co-existence as the trio creates a wholly original soundworld based on Tamura’s seemingly simple concoctions. The eight pieces on the disc unfold as a sort of suite, a long round of solos, duos, and trios. Tamura has said that he wants the “improvisations of the band to carry the atmosphere of the compositions, which is serene and calm.” In its own relatively quiet and slowly paced way, the music on Koneko can be surprisingly intense. With carefully recorded sound that’s fully revealing of the nuances of each instrument, and the often startling beauty of the music, Koneko is an exceptional listening experience. Highly recommended.
Libra 103-060; Natsuki Tamura (tpt) Yasuko Kaneko (tbn) Satoko Fujii (acc); Tokyo, Japan, December 5, 2019; Kaineko/ Noraneko/ Yamaneko/ Koneko/ Ieneko/ Bakeneko/ Doraneko/ Kanbanneko; 51:18. www.librarecords.com
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