Here is Part Two of our two-part interview with composer/painist/bandleader Satoko Fujii, as we talk about her recent batch of big band releases.

Here is Part One of our two-part interview with composer/painist/bandleader Satoko Fujii, as we talk about her recent batch of big band releases.

Using bits of music that she typically cues to her band to play behind the soloists to make up the composition itself as it plays out, Satoko Fujii has found inspiration for her Orchestra Berlin’s ‘Second Attempt.’

Satoko Fujii Orchestra Kobe’s ‘After The Storm’ is a testament to all musicians involved who constantly took chances & never faltered to make something truly memorable

The Satoko Fujii Quartet’s ‘Burning Wick’ brings the hard punch of a rock-minded rhythm section to vanguard jazz.

The placidity Natsuki Tamura and Satoko Fujii opted for with ‘Ki’ reveals the other characteristics of a couple whose talent and creativity knows no bounds.

Satoko Fujii returns with ‘Message’ to lead her This Is It! trio that’s been as exciting to hear than anything she’s led in recent years.

‘Eyes On The Horizon’ celebrates the pupil as much as former mentor Wadada Leo Smith, as Joe Fonda since set on a path that’s led him to the company of the best in highly creative, highly improvised jazz.

A band that pairs a Fender Rhodes player with a pianist and no bass perhaps shouldn’t work, but with sheer flair that not only overcome that challenge, Kira Kira utterly thrives in it.

‘Dog Days of Summer’ might be called “jazz-rock,” but like anything else Satoko Fujii undertakes, she does jazz-rock on her own, uncompromising terms.