Satoko Fujii Ma-Do - Time Stands Still (2013)

This is the third disc from Satko Fujii's Ma-Do quartet which includes the same personnel as the previous discs and sadly it will be the last of this version of the quartet since bassist Norikatsu Koreyasu has since passed away. This disc starts with an intense bowed bass solo/intro which seems like a perfect way to remember our fallen hero. Ms. Fujii has a way of bringing out the best in her band-mates by writing piece which push them into challenging waters where they will either sink or swim upstream. One of Ms. Fujii's strengths is the way she often has two musicians playing one part with the other two playing another interconnected part. On "Fortitude" the piano and drums play one tight line while the bass and trumpet play another line, slowly all four coming together into one compact quartet and then erupting freely. Satoko's longtime ace-in-the-hole is her husband and constant collaborator, trumpet great Natsuki Tamura. Natsuki is a gifted soloist and always plays his parts perfectly when soft or eruptive or anywhere in between. Both Satoko and Natsuki toss off creative sparks, back & forth, each pushing the other higher and higher. Just when you think a solo by Satoko couldn't get any better, here comes Natsuki riding the waves and pulling off another unbelievable conclusion. Not that this disc is all fireworks, Satoko and the rst of the quartet know when to lay back and deal with suspense and space. Ms. Fujii occasionally plays inside the piano with some object. She does not do that very often yet only when it is needed to add certain spice or a bent note swerve. 'Time Stands Still' is an extraordinary CD that shouldn't be taken for granted as it doesn't get any better than this.

Tracklist:

1 Fortitude 09:30
2 North Wind And The Sun 10:32
3 Time Flies 06:58
4 Rolling Around 02:55
5 Set The Clock Back 05:21
6 Broken Time 09:41
7 Time Stands Still 07:31

Personnel:

Norikatsu Koreyasu - Bass;
Akira Horikoshi - Drums;
Satoko Fujii - Piano;
Natsuki Tamura - Trumpet.