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Natsuki Tamura — White and Blue
(Buzz ZZ 76011, 1999, CD)

by Jeff Melton, Published 2002-04-01

White and Blue Cover art

Relying on a minimalist instrumentation (trumpet, sundry percussion, and drums), composer Natsuki Tamura is interested in filling space not only with free jazz excursions but also with textural sound bytes. The dividing line between these ten tracks is the utilization of two different drummers to create alternative surroundings. Jim Black plays on the first five pieces and provides cymbals, high-pitched metallics, rattles, and loose rhythmic accompaniment; Jamie Muir and Nana Vasconcellos come to mind as comparable players. “Piece #2” allows Tamura to introduce a melodic theme that incorporates Jon Hassell’s valve technique as well as a raspy intonation to murk this tone poem. Each drummer challenges the soloist to interject and establish chirpy conversations atop shifting tempos. Interplay between the two duos relies on some telepathic direction, otherwise complete chaos would be an improvisation goal. Aaron Alexander sits in on the remaining cuts and contrasts well with Black by being partial to more consistent time-keeping. “Part #7” is their best interaction, where Tamura’s lead displays a less contrary dimension. The longest piece on the disc is the closing track, which searches a question-and-answer dialog. In summary, the disc is strictly in experimental territory and will also appeal to free jazz enthusiasts.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 24, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Natsuki Tamura

 

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