Four masterfully intuitive musicians who regularly aspire for greater heights with each venture reach the summit together on Satoko Fujii’s ‘Aspiration.’

Through death comes transformation. Gato Libre is a band whose body has changed, but its original heart perseveres.

The sextet Trouble Kaze and their debut album ‘June’ is an inspired way to extend and expand on the ideas first put forward by the Japanese/French quartet Kaze.

As a celebration of the Satoko Fujii Orchestra Toyko’s fallen guitarist Kelly Churko, ‘Peace’ couldn’t be any more true to his memory and the fearlessness he brought to this band.

There isn’t anyone who is exploiting the possibilities presented by big band jazz more aggressively these days than Satoko Fujii. Another chapter in her orchestra book is opened with the Satoko Fujii Orchestra Berlin debut ‘Ichigo Ichie.’

With ‘Yamiyo Ni Karasu’, the transition from ma-do to Satoko Fujii’s exciting new quartet Tobira becomes complete.

This doesn’t often sound like big band music, as Fujii draws from every impulse at her disposal.

Gato Libre makes the difficult decision to go forward after the loss of a key member.

A stimulating, compelling, amusing record, Kaze’s Tornado once again establishes this group of musicians as among the most fascinating in jazz. You May Also Like: Kaze – ‘Unwritten’ (2024) Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Sand Storm’ (2020) Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Crustal Movement’ (2023)

Earlier this year Japanese avant-garde master Satoko Fujii unveiled a new ensemble with Spring Storm, the debut album for her Satoko Fujii New Trio. You May Also Like: Kaze – ‘Unwritten’ (2024) Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Crustal Movement’ (2023) Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Sand Storm’ (2020)