Jazz Impresario Dee Dee McNeil reviews Yarlung’s 15th Anniversary release of the iconic “YUKO MABUCHI PLAYS MILES DAVIS”
Yuko Mabuchi, piano; JJ Kirkpatrick, trumpet; Del Atkins, bass; Bobby Breton, drums; Bob Attiyeh, Producer.
One of the things that always impresses me about Yuko Mabuchi is her ability to transform familiar songs into shiny, new, gem-like pieces. For example, on her presentation of “All Blues,” (arranged on her tribute to Miles Davis album), she turns the waltz-time upside down by playing the piece in 5/4 and 4/4 time. It works! She follows this pleasant surprise with a poignant and heart-felt analysis of “Blue in Green.” You may remember that Bill Evans and Miles Davis composed this one and it’s a star on the ‘Kind of Blue’ album. This is such an emotionally heavy song and pianist, Yuko Mabuchi, along with JJ Kirkpatrick on trumpet, squeeze out every ounce of beauty. I had to play this one twice. I also enjoyed Yuko’s intricate introductory phrasing at the top of the “Milestones” composition. The band gallops in and sets off at a brisk, exciting tempo. She and her trio swing hard. Miles Davis’ music will always remind me of the modern jazz excitement that permeated the 1950s and 60s jazz scene. Yuko has spiced up this delicious pot of Miles Davis stew with three of her original compositions. One is, “Ikumi’s Lullaby” written for her niece. Another is “Sky With No Tears,” that is her musical plea to humanity, imploring people to stop spewing so much pollution into the air. Sitting down at the piano, she stirs the pot briskly while offering her unique take on the standard jazz tune, “So What.” The way she introduces this song is very creative and engaging. It refreshes the iconic composition in a delightfully special way. Bobby Breton is given space to showcase his drum power during this arrangement. Yuko always incorporates her classical training and it shimmers and dances around on the black and white keys during her expressive, improvisational solo. Here is another one of my favorites on Mabuchi’s album, that was recorded ‘live’ in the Brain and Creativity Institute’s Cammilleri Hall on April 25, 2018.
Track six reminds us of the song Miles Davis wrote for Cannonball Adderley’s album, ‘Portrait of Cannonball’ and titled “Nardis.” It was 1958 when this song was first introduced to the public, during the Miles Davis modal period. Bill Evans also recorded it multiple times. Yuko plays in the upper register on this arrangement, bringing out the music-box-tenderness of the piano’s soprano range. Then, she suddenly dips into the mid-register and the bass register. Her small, but powerful hands make the bass ring resonantly from the grand piano. Mabuchi’s strength and attack always surprises me, because she’s such a petite, delicate lady. But don’t let that fool you. Yuko Mabuchi is a beast on the piano keys.
Del Atkins takes a well-deserved bass solo during their dramatic arrangement of “Nardis” that smoothly blurs into the blues. As Yuko turns this song down blues alley, she re-imagines it with a Gene-Harris-like groove. “Nardis” immediately becomes an additional favorite of mine on this album.
Finally, to close their concert, Yuko has written, “Missing Miles.” I too miss the legendary music and genius of Miles Davis. I think he must certainly be smiling down on these unique arrangements and interpretation of his music by Yuko Mabuchi, JJ Kirkpatrick, Del Atkins and Bobby Breton. Together, they have modernized some unforgettable, classic music, while paying tribute to one of our historic geniuses of jazz. The ‘live’ audience also approves, snapping fingers and clapping spontaneously on the fade of their final song. In conclusion, the approving audience gives their stamp of approval with a hearty ovation.
Dee Dee McNeil
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From https://musicalmemoirs.wordpress.com/2020/08/
Yuko Mabuchi plays Miles Davis is available on CD, Analog Tape, DSD and High Res PCM. Two volumes of 180 Gram 45RPM Vinyl coming soon!
Thank you Dee Dee and thank you Yuko!