This is close to a five "stars" album, and for some jazz fans it will make that rating. There's recording information and a list of tunes and personnel along with some small photos of the band.Īn unknown talent who could've been internationally known if things had been different, if you only purchase one reissue jazz piano album this year, make it this one. The disc snaps into a tray inside the nicely done wallet-style cardboard package. Someone little known with such a tremendous talent should be better known among jazz fans. There's no booklet or liner notes which is a shame. The sound is very good/excellent-clean, open and warm sounding without any harshness. Both belong in any jazz piano fan's library.
#Scenery fukui plus
Both this album and his 1977 album "Mellow Dream" (which in some ways refines his playing) are from the same mold-trio settings with a combination of other's songs plus his own compositions. Fukui passed away a few years ago, but recorded several albums beginning with this one. With tunes like Jimmy Van Huesen's "It Could Happen To You", Billy Eckstine's "I Want To Talk About You", among others, along with his own compositions, this set is something well worth your time. The rhythm section is unobtrusive, laying down a subtle foundation for Fukui, whose playing will draw you in in short order. Recorded in 1976, this is timeless jazz from a relatively unknown master of jazz piano. Supported by bass and drums, this is a very fine set of performances. By turns it swings, it's sensitive, it's introspective, all the things a good small combo jazz album should be. This trio setting is about as good as jazz piano trio jazz gets. In a nutshell-if you're a jazz piano fan-you need to hear this album.Ī self taught piano player from Japan, Ryo Fukui is one of those musicians that few have heard outside of Japan. This album has been reviewed obviously, but it's so good that I had to write something about it.
Ryo Fukui sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come. He then focused on improving his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui) and releasing two live albums. The Hokkaido wizard-pianist followed Scenery with the soulful gem Mellow Dream (WRJ 002CD/LTD-LP) in 1977.
Scenery is his magnum opus and an absolute must-have. Often compared to McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans, Ryo Fukui was a genius in his own right, a true master of his craft whose perfectionism gave birth to some of the greatest music ever recorded. From "It Could Happen To You" and its serene and calm intro which magically flows into a jubilant and upbeat piece, to the out-of-this-world piano solo of "Early Summer", or the incredible teamwork of "Autumn Leaves" where Fukui leads Satoshi Denpo (bass) and Yoshinori Fukui (drums) into groove heaven, every single note on the album oozes precision, confidence, and flair and every single section slides seamlessly into one another, creating a supreme and elegant blend of jazz. Unquestionably one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, Scenery reveals Ryo Fukui as a miraculously brilliant self-taught pianist fusing modal, bop, and cool jazz influences for a very personal, dexterous, and game-changing take on classic standards made famous by Bing Crosby and John Coltrane among others. We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) presents its first release, the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's highly sought-after masterpiece Scenery, originally released in 1976.
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