Esteemed music and audio critic Neville Roberts writes eloquently in the UK about Yuko’s Miles Davis triumph. Roberts reviewed the tape and two volumes of 45rpm 180 Gram vinyl separately. Here are excerpts from both:
“As anticipated, the album is superb!
In “All Blues the drums in the introduction really make me sit up and listen. When Mabuchi joins in on the piano with a trumpet playing the melody, the clarity of the sound and instrument focus is fantastic. Blue in Green is a beautiful contemplative jazz piece that has been re-energised by Mabuchi’s performance, and Milestones is sparkling and energetic. Nardis is a gentle and reflective track that somehow sounds fresh with Mabuchi’s interpretation.
“Mabuchi’s Ikumi’s Lullaby… gently relaxes you into the environment of the Cammilleri Hall. This is followed by Mabuchi’s sympathetic rendition of So What. It took me a few moments to clue into Miles’ original performance, but I soon recognized that Mabuchi and her team had remained true to his unique rendition while at the same time imparting a new freshness and energy – wonderful stuff! The last two pieces are Mabuchi’s own compositions – firstly, the reflective Sky Without Tears, which closes with justifiably enthusiastic applause from the audience and, finally, Missing Miles, which is a splendidly sparkling tribute to the man himself.
“Mabuchi’s excellent interpretations are a real homage to Miles Davis, and yet retain the imprint of her individuality. The atmosphere of the Cammilleri Hall is beautifully captured in the recordings, and I am splendidly transported to the venue in my sitting room without the cost of the air fare! This is an excellent quality album and a ‘must have’ addition for any” jazz lover.
Many thanks to Toyota and Yarlung executive producers Craig & Diane Martin for vinyl, Arian Jansen for analog tape, and Randy Bellous for our CD. Enjoy!
Please enjoy Neville’s longer article here. Thank you so much Maestro Neville Roberts!
Yuko Mabuchi plays Miles Davis is available on LP, Analog tape, CD and DSD and high res PCM digital, as well as countless streaming formats.
