THE MIYUMI PROJECT – “Re:ROOTED”
Southport/Asian Improv, 2006

WORLD/AVANT – Composer/bassist Tatsu Aoki and reedist Mwata Bowden continue to explore the intersection of traditional Japanese music and experimental jazz they mapped out in 2001’s Rooted. A trio of winds + violin blow loosely over Japanese taiko drums, alternately feeding the rhythms and breaking them apart. The ensemble creates music as optimistic as a village festival or as ritualized and mysterious as Kabuki, simultaneously ancient and postmodern.

All tracks are interesting. Fo’s Picks: 1, 3, 6

1. 15:46 – slow drum intro, then an upbeat, loping stroll. A mix of “outside” and bluesy solos from the various winds, cool violin solo.
2. 08:02 – very quiet bass intro, develops into a low improvisational sneak
3. 05:25 – loose-limbed fun with bells & shouts; grooving w/some free breaks
4. 06:47 – very traditional Japanese sound, like a village procession
5. 17:21 – abrasive droning intro, bass solo, then a slinky melody and some nice bluesy solos, sometimes drifting “out” and back in
6. 18:46 – stark, steady drumming & sharp flute, sounds like accompaniment to traditional Japanese theatre. In second half, drums speed up and saxes build onto the rhythm for a modern, urban edge.

[ Fo ] 4-Mar-07