The Squid's Ear Magazine
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Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura's Libra Label

Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii, along with trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, run the Libra label, which for two decades has released their work in collaboration with a remarkable list of improvisers from around the world. From solos and duos to large ensemble work, their music runs the gamut from frenetic improvisation to beautifully lyrical work, with keys ensembles including Gato Libre, Satoko Fujii New York Orchestra, Natsuki Tamura Quartet, Satoko Fujii Orchestra Berlin, Kaze, Satoko Fujii Trio, Junk Box, and Satoko Fujii Orchestra Tokyo.



 
Double Duo (Verploegen / Mengelberg / Tamura / Fujii): Crossword Puzzle
Double Duo (Verploegen / Mengelberg / Tamura / Fujii):
Crossword Puzzle

(Libra -- Japan )



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A challenging live quartet made of two duos: trumpet & piano, with Satoko Fujii & Misha Mengelberg at the former and Angelo Verploegen & Natsuki Tamura at the latter.

Fujii / Tamura / Sharp / Kato: In the Tank
Fujii / Tamura / Sharp / Kato:
In the Tank

(Libra -- Japan )



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Fujii Orchestra, Satoko: South Wind
Fujii Orchestra, Satoko:
South Wind

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii Orchestra in original compositions, an amazing lineup of mostly New York players including Steven Bersteain, Herb Robertson, Briggan Krause, etc.

Fujii, Satoko Quartet: Angelona
Fujii, Satoko Quartet:
Angelona

(Libra -- Japan )



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Fujii Quartet, Satoko: Minerva
Fujii Quartet, Satoko:
Minerva

(Libra -- Japan )



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Fujii, Satoko Quartet : Vulcan
Fujii, Satoko Quartet :
Vulcan

(Libra -- Japan )



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Fujii, Satoko / Bley, Paul: Something About Water
Fujii, Satoko / Bley, Paul:
Something About Water

(Libra -- Japan )



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8 remarkable and collaborative duets from pianists Satoko Fujii and free jazz legend Paul Bley, and 3 lovely solo pieces of extended technique and color.

Fujii, Satoko Min-Yoh Ensemble: Watershed
Fujii, Satoko Min-Yoh Ensemble:
Watershed

(Libra -- Japan )



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After studying jazz and classical music, pianist Satoko Fujii became interested in Min-Yoh, which means folk music in Japanese; this is her 2nd lovely and powerful release with her Min-Yoh Ensemble.

Fujii, Satoko New Trio: Spring Storm
Fujii, Satoko New Trio:
Spring Storm

(Libra -- Japan )



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A set of new trio compositions from pianist Satoko Fujii with bassist Todd Nicholson and drummer/percussionist Takashi Itani, a magnificent set of compositions for the transformative season.

Fujii, Satoko New York Orchestra: Shiki
Fujii, Satoko New York Orchestra:
Shiki

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii's amazing Orchestra New York returns with a composition that she describes as "a picture that extends beyond the canvas", performed with Oscar Noriega, Briggan Krauss, Ellery Eskelin, Tony Malaby, Andy Laster, Herb Robertson, Steven Bernstein, &c &c.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York: ETO
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York:
ETO

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York in a work based on the Chinese zodiac, referred to as "Eto", in a celebration of husband and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura's 60th birthday, and of the 12 animals of the zodiac.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York: Summer Suite
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York:
Summer Suite

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii's 15-piece Orchestra New York with an all-star cast including Ellery Eskelin, Tony Malaby, Herb Robertson, Steve Berstein, Joe Fiedler, &c. &c.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo: Zakopane
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo:
Zakopane

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pianist-composer Satoko Fujii's Orchestra Tokyo formed in 1999 to perform her compositions, music that spans a wide range of styles and moods, complemented by a great set of soloists.

Fujii, Satoko Tobira: Yamiyo Ni Karasu
Fujii, Satoko Tobira:
Yamiyo Ni Karasu

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pianist Satoko Fujii's Tobira ("door") expands the original trio configuration of Todd Nicholson on bass and Takashi Itani on drums, with trumpeter/husband Natsuki Tamura, playing inventive free improvisation with sophistication in melodic heads and superb soloing.

Fujii, Satoko: Gen Himmel
Fujii, Satoko:
Gen Himmel

(Libra -- Japan )



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A hauntingly beautiful set of solo piano works from Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii, subtle work that belies her incredible techincal skill through beautifully paced and meditative music.

Gato Libre (Tamura / Fujii / Tsumura / Koreyasu): Shiro
Gato Libre (Tamura / Fujii / Tsumura / Koreyasu):
Shiro

(Libra -- Japan )



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Trumpeter Natsuki Tamura & bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu's Gato Libre with Satoko Fujii on accordion and guitarist Kazuhiko Tsumara, in their 4th release, beautifully melodic improvisation.

Gato Libre: DuDu
Gato Libre:
DuDu

(Libra -- Japan )



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The first Gato Libre release since the passing of bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu, adding trombonist Yasuko Kaneko alongside leader Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, Satoko Fujii on accordion, and Kazuhiko Tsumura on guitar, for eight beautiful, melodic "free cat" recordings.

Gato Libre: Forever
Gato Libre:
Forever

(Libra -- Japan )



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The 5th release from the Japanese quartet of trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, Satoko Fujii, here on accordian, the late bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu, and guitarist Kazuhiko Tsumura, beautiful free form improvisation performed live in concert in 2011.

Gato Libre: KURO
Gato Libre:
KURO

(Libra -- Japan )



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Natsuki Tamura and Satoko Fujii's Gato Libre in their fourth seductive album of jazz based on European folk melodies with some of the coolest accordion playing on the planet.

Junk Box (Tamura / Fujii / Hollenbeck): Cloudy Then Sunny
Junk Box (Tamura / Fujii / Hollenbeck):
Cloudy Then Sunny

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii's latest Junk Box with Natsuki Tamura and John Hollenbeck is an amazing jazz album of extended technique, instrumentation and expressive, dramatic ideas

Junk Box (Tamura / Fujii / Hollenbeck): Fragment
Junk Box (Tamura / Fujii / Hollenbeck):
Fragment

(Libra -- Japan )



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Kaze: Tornado
Kaze:
Tornado

(Circum-Libra -- Japan/France )



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With two trumpets, drums and piano, Kaze's 2nd release with Satoko Fujii, Natsuki Tamura, and Muzzix members Christian Pruvost and Peter Orins, hits like the album title, but surprises with contrasts from torrential power to beautiful melodic interplay.

Kaze: Uminari
Kaze:
Uminari

(Circum-Libra -- Japan/France )



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Natsuki Tamura & Christian Pruvost on trumpets, Satoko Fuji on piano and Peter Orins on drums for a quartet where all members are active compositional contributors, creating a powerful ensemble sound with strong soloing using modern creative techniques; excellent!

Tamura, Natsuki / Fujii, Satoko: Chun
Tamura, Natsuki / Fujii, Satoko:
Chun

(Libra -- Japan )



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Intricately melodic and wonderfully ecstatic duos from trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and pianist Satoko Fujii improvising on 9 Fujii compositions.

Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii: Clouds
Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii:
Clouds

(Libra -- Japan )



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With each track named after a type of cloud, Satoko Fujii and partner Natsuki Tamura's delicate and engaging impressionistic colors and rumblings.

Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii: MUKU
Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii:
MUKU

(Libra -- Japan )



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Trumpeter Tamura and pianist Fujii return to the duo they've been recording for more than 15 years to explore a more quiet and lyrical side of their collaboration by reimagining compositions originally written for Tamura's Gato Libre quartet.

Tamura, Natsuki Quartet: Exit
Tamura, Natsuki Quartet:
Exit

(Libra -- Japan )



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Tamura, Natsuki Quartet: Hada Hada
Tamura, Natsuki Quartet:
Hada Hada

(Libra -- Japan )



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Thunderous and intense free improvisation from Natsuki Tamurao's Quartet with Satoko Fujii playing sythesizer. 2003 release, first time in stock at Squidco.

Trouble Kaze (Fujii / Agnel / Tamura / Pruvost / Lasserre / Orins): June
Trouble Kaze (Fujii / Agnel / Tamura / Pruvost / Lasserre / Orins):
June

(Helix Circum-Disc -- France )



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Drummer Peter Orins expands the Kaze quartet of trumpeters Natsuki Tamura and Christian Pruvost and pianist Satoko Fujii, with a second drummmer--Didier Lasserre--and a second pianist--Sophie Agnel--for a live recording of a 5-part suite of magnificently epic collective improv.

Fujii, Satoko : Invisible Hand [2 CDs]
Fujii, Satoko :
Invisible Hand [2 CDs]

(Cortez Sound -- Japan )



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After bringing her band Kaze to the Cortez club in Mito, Japan, the owner asked pianist Satoko Fujii back to perform a solo show, captured here across two CDs showing her extensive technical skills and passionate approach to playing, in a mix of new work and new takes on previously recorded compositions.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo + KAZE: Peace (Tribute To Kelly Churko)
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo + KAZE:
Peace (Tribute To Kelly Churko)

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pianist Satoko Fujii's Orchestra Tokyo + the band Kaze, bringing guests trumpeter Cristian Pruvost and drummer Peter Orins alongside trumpeter Natsuki Tamura into a spectacular big band of great power but also subtle meditation, in four works that include a tribute to the late guitarist and Fujii collaborator Kelly Churko.

Koh / Fujii / Reichman: Yamabuki
Koh / Fujii / Reichman:
Yamabuki

(Libra -- Japan )



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The trio of Japanese art-folk singer Koh Yamabuki with pianist Satoko Fujii and accordionist Ted Recihment in emotional, inventive and delicately beautiful music.

Fujii, Satoko Quartet (w/ Natsuki Tamura / Keisuke Ohta / Takashi Itani): Live at Jazz Room Cortez
Fujii, Satoko Quartet (w/ Natsuki Tamura / Keisuke Ohta / Takashi Itani):
Live at Jazz Room Cortez

(Cortez Sound -- Japan )



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Presenting a different line-up from the 2001 debut of Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii's Quartet, remaining is trumpeter Natsuka Tamura, with Keisuke Ohta on violin and Takashi Itani on drums, performing evolving and rich collective improvisation with a strange edge, captured live at the Jazz Room Cortez in Mito, Japan in 2016 for two extended and bewitching sets.

Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura: Kisaragi
Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura:
Kisaragi

(Libra -- Japan )



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On their 5th album together, pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura push the limits on approach and technique with their instruments, creating otherworldly and captivating improvisations, both players deciding against using "normal instrumental sounds", instead using preparations and textural approaches to create truly unique music.

Gato Libre (Fujii / Tamura / Kaneko): Neko
Gato Libre (Fujii / Tamura / Kaneko):
Neko

(Libra -- Japan )



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Trumpeter Natsuki Tamura's Gato Libre in its 5th album brings a beautiful light-through-the-leaves melodic melancholy to their unhurried pace, now the trio of Tamura, Satoko Fujii on accordion, and Yasuko Kaneko on trombone, as the cats on the cover stop to find allure in the late day while bringing profound and introspective music to our ears.

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York: Fukushima
Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York:
Fukushima

(Libra -- Japan )



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Diverse aspects of the 2011 disaster at the Japanese Fukushima nuclear power plant brought on by a tsunami orchestrated in sound by composer/pianist Satoko Fujii and rendered in remarkable ways from some of New York finest improvisers, including Tony Malaby, Ellery Eskelin, Oscar Noriega, Herb Roberts, Joe Fiedler, Stomu Takeishi, Nels Cline, &c &c.

Kaze (Fujii / Tamura / Pruvost / Orins): Atody Man
Kaze (Fujii / Tamura / Pruvost / Orins):
Atody Man

(Libra -- Japan )



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The fifth album from the French and Japanese quartet Kaze, initiated by drummer Pter Orins, with two trumpeters--Christian Pruvost and Natsuki Tamura--and pianist Satoko Fujii, all using extended and unusual techniques as they perform innovative compositions from Fujii, Orins, and Tamura with a balance of serious and playful approaches; brilliant.

Fujii, Satoko: Ninety-Nine Years
Fujii, Satoko:
Ninety-Nine Years

(Libra -- Japan )



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Composer-pianist Satoko Fujii's new Orchestra Berlin, a ten-piece ensemble, presents a powerful work written specifically for this group in thought-provoking compositions of and uninhibited energy, with performers including saxophonists Gebhard Ullmann, Paulina Owczarek & Matthias Schubert, trombonist Matthias Muller, bassist Jan Roder, and drummers Peter Orins and Michael Griener.

Kira Kira (Tamura / Spence / Fujii / Takemura): Bright Force
Kira Kira (Tamura / Spence / Fujii / Takemura):
Bright Force

(Libra -- Japan )



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Since 2007 Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii and Australian keyboardist Alister Spence have collaborated on performance and recording in several configurations, including work with Tony Buck, Raymond McDonald, Jim O'Rourke, &c.; this energetic and otherworldly quartet session with trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and drummer Ittetsu Takemura was recored live Knuttel House, in Tokyo, 2017.

This Is It! (Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Takashi Itani): 1538
This Is It! (Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Takashi Itani):
1538

(Libra -- Japan )



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Part of pianist Satoko Fujii's "Kanreki" (60th Birthday) tour and monthly album release, the "This Is It!" Trio with trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and drummer/percussionist Takashi Itani is heard at Koendori Classics, in Tokyo, Japan, in January 2018, for an incredible album of Fujii's compositions that include quirky asides in coherent and effusive playing.

Spence, Alister / Satoko Fujii: Intelsat
Spence, Alister / Satoko Fujii:
Intelsat

(Alister Spence Music -- Australia )



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Continuing her monthly releases for her 60th birthday, Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii meets Australian keyboard and electronic artist Alister Spence for their second meeting, touring Japan and recording this spellbinding album merging bells, gongs, electronics, and acoustic piano, inside and out, in a passionate album that balances melodicism and sound.

Amu (Fujii / Tamura / Itani / Wildenhahn): Weave [CD & DVD]
Amu (Fujii / Tamura / Itani / Wildenhahn):
Weave [CD & DVD]

(Libra -- Japan )



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Mizuki Wildenhahn adds an unusual percussive instrument through dance to the multi-arts Amu quartet of Wildenhahn, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, pianist Satoko Fujii, and percussionist Takashi Itani, heard on the CD and seen on the DVD of this 2-disc set of their unorthodox and absorbing live performance at Kanagawa Prefectural Lake Sagami-ko Exchange Center in 2018.

Fujii, Satoko : Diary 2005-2015 [Scorebook]
Fujii, Satoko :
Diary 2005-2015 [Scorebook]

(Libra -- Japan )



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A book of scores to accompany the double CD of 56 Satoko Fujii compostions titled "Diary 2005-2015", performed by respected classical pianist and educator Yuko Yamaoka, released as part of Satoko Fujii's ambitious 60th birthday monthly album set.

Spence, Alister / Satoko Fujii Orchestra Kobe: Imagine Meeting You Here
Spence, Alister / Satoko Fujii Orchestra Kobe:
Imagine Meeting You Here

(Alister Spence Music -- Australia )



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Australian composer Alister Spence wrote this in five parts composed for an improvising orchestra, which was first premiered in 2016 by Satoko Fujii's orchestras in Kobe, Nagoya and Tokyo, and the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra; this recordings in 2017 at Big Apple Jazz Club in Kobe revisits the work with Fujii's Orchestra Kobe, conducted by the composer.

Fujii, Satoko ma-do: Heat Wave
Fujii, Satoko ma-do:
Heat Wave

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satako Fujii's 2008 release introducing her then new ma-do quartet of Satoko Fujii on piano, Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, Akira Horikoshi on drums, and late bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu, the band name signifying "window" and "the silence between notes", in an album of superb, lively, eclectic and absolutely exciting improvisation from 9 original Fujii compositions.

Fujii, Satoko: Stone
Fujii, Satoko:
Stone

(Libra -- Japan )



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A stunning solo album working inside and outside of the piano and coaxing electronic response from the strings from pianist Satoko Fujii, caputered at Samurai Hotel in NY in September of 2018, and in the studio in Brooklyn three months later, during her prolific 60th "kanreki" birthday year, here in 15 dynamic and far-ranging improvisations revealing her depth and creative powers.

Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura: Pentas: Tribute to Eric and Chris Stern
Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura:
Pentas: Tribute to Eric and Chris Stern

(Not Two -- Poland )



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Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura (The NatSat Duo) launch their project Pentas with this album, their 7th as a duo, with compositions from each musician and dedicated as a tribute to Eric and Chris Stern, elder inspirational fans who spoke with the duo after the NY premiere of this music, upon learning that Eric passed away that very night.

Kaze (Fujii / Tamura / Pruvost / Orins) w/ Ikue Mori: Sand Storm
Kaze (Fujii / Tamura / Pruvost / Orins) w/ Ikue Mori:
Sand Storm

(Libra/ Circum-Disc -- Japan )



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The cooperative quartet Kaze of Satoko Fujii on piano, Peter Orins on drums, Christian Pruvost on trumpet, Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, joins with elextroacoustic improviser Ikue Mori for seven exploratory pieces recorded in the studio after a one-week tour in Austria, France, and Russia, their enthusiasm for their extraordinarily unique group sound clearly evident.

Mori, Ikue / Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura: Prickly Pear Cactus
Mori, Ikue / Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura:
Prickly Pear Cactus

(Libra -- Japan )



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Extending their previous collaborations during the time of pandemic, NY electronic improviser Ikue Mori and Japanese improvisers Natsuki Tamura on trumpet and Satoko Fujii on piano developed this extraordinary ea-improv album via file exchange, starting with Fujii's piano improvisations to which Mori & Tamura added their layers, with Mori mixing the final, startling results.

 
Fujii, Satoko ma-do:
Heat Wave

(Not Two -- Poland )



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Satako Fujii's 2008 release introducing her then new ma-do quartet of Satoko Fujii on piano, Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, Akira Horikoshi on drums, and late bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu, the band name signifying "window" and "the silence between notes", in an album of superb, lively, eclectic and absolutely exciting improvisation from 9 original Fujii compositions.

Fujii, Satoko: Piano Music
Fujii, Satoko:
Piano Music

(Libra -- Japan )



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A stunning sound collage made from recorded fragments of Fujii's studio piano, captured inside and out using traditional piano sonorities and preparations that often microscopically detail the instrument, then edited into two electroacoustic compositions of startling and unexpected expansiveness and wonder; a unique and fascinating release in Fujii's large oeuvre.

Futari (Satoko Fujii / Taiko Saito): Underground
Futari (Satoko Fujii / Taiko Saito):
Underground

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pandemic restrictions having cancelled their European tour, the Futari duo of pianist Satoko Fujii and vibraphonist Taiko Saito chose instead to develop a new collaborative album of improvisations exchanged by sound file, each intently listening to the other's recordings, their care and pensive responses creating an astounding and sublime album of stunningly beautiful music.

This Is It! (Fujii / Itani / Tamura): Mosaic
This Is It! (Fujii / Itani / Tamura):
Mosaic

(Libra -- Japan )



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Circumventing pandemic lockdowns, the trio of husband & wife, pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, recorded this album at their home in Kobe, Japan using an internet connection to perform in real time with drummer/percussionist Takashi Itani in Tokyo, their joyful and sophisticated improvisation a testament to close listening and magnificent communication.

Fujii, Satoko / Joe Fonda: Thread Of Light
Fujii, Satoko / Joe Fonda:
Thread Of Light

(Listen! Foundation (Fundacja Sluchaj!) -- Poland )



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The enduring and innately lyrical collaboration of Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii and NY bassist Joe Fonda, first heard in 2016 with Duet, through 2019's Four with trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, continues despite the constraints of a pandemic in these 10 improvisations recorded separately in Kobe and at Fonda's home, with Fonda also performing on cello & flute.

Tamura, Natsuki: Summer Tree
Tamura, Natsuki:
Summer Tree

(Libra -- Japan )



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A stunning album of solo trumpet performance from Natsuki Tamura, who's name in Japanese translates as 'Natsu' meaning 'summer' and 'Ki' means 'tree', performed as layers of remarkable technique led by clarion playing over trumpet drones, sonic turbulence and percussive interaction on a wok, each layer using his extended vocabulary without studio manipulation.

First Meeting (Tamura / Fujii / Churko / Yamamoto): Cut The Rope
First Meeting (Tamura / Fujii / Churko / Yamamoto):
Cut The Rope

(Libra -- Japan )



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Trumpeter Tamura in an album of improvisational fragmentation, textural and timbral explorations, and rapid-fire juxtapositions that create kaleidoscopic sound collages.

Fujii, Satoko: Hazuki
Fujii, Satoko:
Hazuki

(Libra -- Japan )



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With the sudden cessation of touring due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Satoko Fujii turned to composing and recording herself in a home studio that she developed with the help of sound engineer Mike Marciano, freeing herself to explore new compositional methods and approaches to theory, this superb solo album the results of seven months of sublime self-expression.

Fujii, Satoko / Yuko Yamaoka: Diary 2005-2015: Tuko Yamaoka plays the music of Satoko Fujii [2 CDs]
Fujii, Satoko / Yuko Yamaoka:
Diary 2005-2015: Tuko Yamaoka plays the music of Satoko Fujii [2 CDs]

(Libra -- Japan )



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A double CD of Satoko Fujii compositions, 56 short compositions from a series she started around 2005 to expand her skills as a composer, many of which fueled her many band's repertoires; in 2018 she asked respected classical pianist and educator Yuko Yamaoka to record this set of compositions as part of her 60th birthday monthly album set.

Gato Libre (Tamura / Fjuii / Kaneko): Koneko
Gato Libre (Tamura / Fjuii / Kaneko):
Koneko

(Libra -- Japan )



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The 8th album from Gato Libre with compositions from trumpeter Natsuki Tamura in a trio with Yasuko Kaneko on trombone and pianist Satoko Fujii here on accordion, Koneko translating to "Kitten", as Tamura explores 8 new cats from strays to shop cats through deceptively simple pieces of melodic appeal of warm color, tone & texture; absolutely charming.

Tamura, Natsuki: Dragon Nat
Tamura, Natsuki:
Dragon Nat

(Libra -- Japan )



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Using Gato Libre's music as the direction for his first solo album since 2004, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura releases an album of powerful and personal playing with a surreal flow of ideas, impish humor, and restrained joy.

Tamura, Natsuki : Koki Solo
Tamura, Natsuki :
Koki Solo

(Libra -- Japan )



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"Koki" translates to "rare in ancient times," referring to ones 70th birthday, a milestone that trumpeter Natsuki Tamura achieves this year, providing proof that such an age is no longer rare, nor that it has affected the tremendous creative and physical powers that Tamura applies to his playing, as heard in this inventive solo album on trumpet, piano, voice and even pots & pans!

Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii : How Many?
Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii :
How Many?

(Libra -- Japan )



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Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii / Ramon Lopez: Mantle
Tamura, Natsuki / Satoko Fujii / Ramon Lopez:
Mantle

(Not Two -- Poland )



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While on a tour of Japan in 2019, Japanese pianist Satoko Fujii and Spanish drummer Ramon Lopez asked trumpeter Natsuki Tamura to join them, and to join in a challenge to write a new piece of music for the trio each day while on tour; this studio album selects the finest of those compositions, performed with nearly telepathic control in a mix of fire and lyrical beauty.

Kaze: Rafale
Kaze:
Rafale

(Circum-Libra -- Japan/France )



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Kaze brings together Japan's incredible improviser-composers, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and pianist Satoko Fujii, with trumpeter Christian Pruvost and drummer Peter Orins from the French improvisers collective Muzzix.

Fujii, Satoko / Otomo Yoshihide: Perpetual Motion
Fujii, Satoko / Otomo Yoshihide:
Perpetual Motion

(Ayler Records -- France )



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Expanding their instruments into sonic sculpture, this first meeting between acclaimed Japanese improvisers Satoko Fujii, performing inside and out of the piano, and electric guitarist Otomo Yoshihide, demonstrates their incredible compatibly as heard in these live recordings at Tokyo's Pit Inn, part of an annual festival organized by Fujii & trumpeter Natsuki Tamura.

Kaze with Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Christian Pruvost / Peter Orins & Ikue Mori: Crustal Movem
Kaze with Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Christian Pruvost / Peter Orins & Ikue Mori:
Crustal Movement

(Circum-Libra -- Japan/France )



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The cooperative Japanese/French quartet Kaze of pianist Satoko Fujii, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, trumpeter Christian Pruvost and drummer Peter Orins are expanded for a second time with New York electronic artist Ikue Mori, embracing pandemic restrictions by creating this album through file exchange, adding complex layers of profound interaction to the virtual improvisations.

Fujii, Satoko: Torrent (Piano Solo)
Fujii, Satoko:
Torrent (Piano Solo)

(Libra -- Japan )



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The ninth solo album from pianist Satoko Fujii, the most recent in a "torrent" of solo releases over the last six years, this album a remarkable display of force and beauty in improvised playing on the keyboard and inside the piano, captured live at IYO Yume Mari Kan Bunka Hall in six improvisations of cascading notes and introspective passages; spectacular!

Dorr, Welf Unit: Blood
Dorr, Welf Unit:
Blood

(Creative Sources -- Portugal )



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Combining free jazz spontaneity with the urgency of funk and rock, NY-based German saxophonist and bass clarinetist Welf Dorr (Funk Monk) presents his Unit with drummer Joe Hertenstein, bassist Dmitry Ishenko and guitarist Dave Ross, in an energetic album of tunes that combine determination and passion with upbeat grooves balanced by beautiful ballad work.

Junk & The Beast (Petr Vrba / Veronika Mayer): Trailer
Junk & The Beast (Petr Vrba / Veronika Mayer):
Trailer

(Mikroton Recordings -- Russia )



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Petr Vrba and Veronika Mayer use non-idiomatic improvisation to research the combination of textural materials, crossing them with vibrations of objects on the speakers, pure sound waves, feedbacks, tones coming from trumpet, accordion, electronics, and laptop, culminating in the creation of a muscular frenetic soup of tense energy fields.

Fujii, Satoko Tokyo Trio (Fujii / Sugawa / Takemura): Jet Black
Fujii, Satoko Tokyo Trio (Fujii / Sugawa / Takemura):
Jet Black

(Libra -- Japan )



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A trio of leaders in their own right performing pianist Satoko Fujii's demanding compositions, bassist Takashi Sugawa and drummer Ittetsu Takemura rise to the challenge in a set of six exciting works that push and pull this remarkable piano trio in unexpected directions, responding to the twists and turns of Fujii's intense and intricate directions; superlative!

Kaze (Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Christian Pruvost / Peter Orins): Unwritten
Kaze (Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Christian Pruvost / Peter Orins):
Unwritten

(Circum-Libra / Libra -- Japan/France )



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The Kaze quartet of trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, pianist Satoko Fujii, trumpeter & flugelhorn player Christian Pruvost and drummer Peter Orins, continues its avant-embracing and uniquely voiced project with this live performance at Lille, France, an episodic and spontaneously diverse set of three collective improvisations of intuitive, adventurous interaction.

Durrant, Phil / Daniel Thompson: Live / Studio <i>[Used Item]</i>
Durrant, Phil / Daniel Thompson:
Live / Studio [Used Item]

(Bead -- UK )



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The improvising string duo of stalwart London improvisers, Daniel Thompson on acoustic guitar and Phil Durrant on the octave mandola, are heard in two settings of texturally rich, intricate interactions, first at Cafe OTO in 2022 for an extended improvisation, then at Cable Street Studios two months later for six succint, impressively diverse dialogs.

Fujii, Satoko / Ramon Lopez: Confluence
Fujii, Satoko / Ramon Lopez:
Confluence

(Libra -- Japan )



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Having played in trio settings before, pianist Satoko Fujii and Spanish drummer Ramon Lopez seized the opportunity to record as a duo in the studio in NY, bringing just two Fujii compositions to guide them, they began freely improvising, creating this stunning album of elegant interaction, peaceful yet detailed, intuitively beautiful and sophisticated music.

Fujii Trio, Satoko : Trace A River
Fujii Trio, Satoko :
Trace A River

(Libra -- Japan )



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Satoko Fujii's excellent trio with Mark Dresser on bass and Jim Black on drums: spiritous, technically impressive, melodically and conceptually adventurous music not to miss!

Tamura, Natsuki / Jim Black: NatJim
Tamura, Natsuki / Jim Black:
NatJim

(Libra -- Japan )



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Right out of the gate one feels the energy and excitement between Japanese trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and NY drummer Jim Black, each pushing the other through strong instrumental character and outrageous technique over nine Tamura compositions recorded in the studio in Switzerland, their first recording in 25 years since their 1999 Buzz Records album White and Blue.

Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura : Aloft
Fujii, Satoko / Natsuki Tamura :
Aloft

(Libra -- Japan )



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Propelled by the confidence and intimacy that a familial relationship brings to two improvisers, imbued by each player's masterful technical skills and creative drive, the husband and wife duo of pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura expand their catalog with this set of magnificent dialogs, sometimes quirky, always powerful and implicitly lyrical.

Fujii, Satoko Quartet (w/ Tamura / Takeharu / Yoshida): Dog Days of Summer
Fujii, Satoko Quartet (w/ Tamura / Takeharu / Yoshida):
Dog Days of Summer

(Libra -- Japan )



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One of Satoko Fujii's wildest groups, the quartet of Fujii on piano, Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, Hayakawa Takeharu (HAYAKAWA, Dr. Umezu Band) on bass and Magaibutsu label leader & Ruins drummer Tatsuya Yoshida present their first album since 2007, expanding their assertive approach to improv in an adventurous set that merges rock and jazz forms with lyricism and power.

Kira Kira (Fujii / Tamura / Spence / Yoshida): Kira Kira Live
Kira Kira (Fujii / Tamura / Spence / Yoshida):
Kira Kira Live

(Alister Spence Music -- Australia )



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Picking up from their 2018 album Bright Force, the quartet of Libra label leaders Satoko Fujii on piano and Natsuki Tamura on trumpet, with Australian improviser Alister Spence on Fender Rhodes electric piano, and now with Magaibutsu/Ruins legend Tatsuya Yoshida on drums, are heard in two wildly powerful 2024 concerts at Koendori Classics in Tokyo and at Jazz Inn Lovely, Nagoya, with compositions from each member.

Fujii, Satoko: Indication
Fujii, Satoko:
Indication

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pianist Satoko Fujii in eight solo compositions and a traditional Japanese folk song, recorded in New York City, 1996 and remastered in 2004.

Amanojaku (Yoshida / Fujii / Tamura): Bishamonten
Amanojaku (Yoshida / Fujii / Tamura):
Bishamonten

(Magaibutsu -- Japan )



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Emerging from an improv session during the pandemic, Natsuki Tamura (trumpet), Satoko Fujii (piano), and Tatsuya Yoshida (drums) formed Amanojaku, named after the contrarian demon of Japanese folklore, embracing a balance of composition, improv and mischievous interplay with a uniquely Japanese sensibility through virtuosic spontaneity and irreverent humor, captured live at Koen-dori Classics.

Fujii, Satoko GEN String Ensemble: Altitude 1100 Meters
Fujii, Satoko GEN String Ensemble:
Altitude 1100 Meters

(Libra -- Japan )



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Celebrating her 65th birthday with her first compositions for strings, pianist-composer Satoko Fujii writes for the specific musicians of GEN, a sextet of violin, viola, bass, piano, electronics, and drums, in a suite inspired by Nagano's mountain views, leveraging microtonal string techniques for an expressive and texturally rich sonic landscape.

Haino, Keiji / Natsuki Tamura: What Happened There?
Haino, Keiji / Natsuki Tamura:
What Happened There?

(Libra -- Japan )



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An electrifying 1st-time meeting between guitarist Keiji Haino and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, captured live at Tokyo's Shinjuku Pit Inn, where the duo shape an unpredictable set that veers from reflective stillness to wildly passionate outbursts, their extended techniques and visceral vocals — sometimes urgent, sometimes outrageous — fueling an exhilarating and uncompromising sonic adventure.

Tamura / Fujii / Lopez: Yama Kawa Umi
Tamura / Fujii / Lopez:
Yama Kawa Umi

(Not Two -- Poland )



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Reuniting after their acclaimed Mantle album, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, pianist Satoko Fujii, and drummer Ramon Lopez return with Yama Kawa Umi (Mountain River Sea), a powerful exploration of musical landscapes where wild seas crash into cliffs, rivers flow with melodic clarity, and peaceful mountains rise in serene, introspective moments, reflecting the deep, dynamic interplay from years of collaboration.

Fujii, Satoko Tokyo Trio: Dream A Dream
Fujii, Satoko Tokyo Trio:
Dream A Dream

(Libra -- Japan )



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Pianist Satoko Fujii's Tokyo Trio, featuring bassist Takashi Sugawa and drummer Ittetsu Takemura, expertly balances structured compositions with intuitive improvisation on their third album, recorded in Paris after touring the material across Japan and Europe, exploring shifting moods and intricate interplay through richly lyrical piano lines, subtle rhythmic dialogue, and inventive collective expression.

Fujii, Satoko This is It! (w/ Natsuki Tamura / Takashi Itani): Message
Fujii, Satoko This is It! (w/ Natsuki Tamura / Takashi Itani):
Message

(Libra -- Japan )



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A tour de force third release from pianist-composer Satoko Fujii's trio This Is It!, recorded in Tokyo with long-time collaborator Natsuki Tamura on trumpet and kinetic percussionist Takashi Itani, blending angular composition, fierce improvisation, and creatively spirited interplay into inventive, high-energy, and emotionally rich performances.



Best Sellers in This Category:

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra New York: Fukushima

Fujii, Satoko: Ninety-Nine Years

This Is It! (Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura / Takashi Itani): 1538

Fujii, Satoko Orchestra Tokyo + KAZE: Peace (Tribute To Kelly Churko)

Fujii, Satoko / Otomo Yoshihide: Perpetual Motion

Futari (Satoko Fujii / Taiko Saito): Underground

Fujii, Satoko / Ramon Lopez: Confluence

This Is It! (Fujii / Itani / Tamura): Mosaic

Fujii, Satoko New Trio: Spring Storm

Fujii Orchestra, Satoko: South Wind

Haino, Keiji / Natsuki Tamura: What Happened There?

Fujii, Satoko : Invisible Hand [2 CDs]

Fujii, Satoko: Piano Music

Kira Kira (Tamura / Spence / Fujii / Takemura): Bright Force

Kaze (Fujii / Tamura / Pruvost / Orins) w/ Ikue Mori: Sand Storm

Fujii, Satoko Tokyo Trio (Fujii / Sugawa / Takemura): Jet Black

Fujii, Satoko Quartet (w/ Tamura / Takeharu / Yoshida): Dog Days of Summer

Mori, Ikue / Satoko Fujii / Natsuki Tamura: Prickly Pear Cactus

Fujii, Satoko: Stone

Fujii, Satoko New York Orchestra: Shiki

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