[Haruta and Dease's] interplay, reminiscent of the legendary J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding duets, brings a sense of dialogue to the music.
Trombonist Nanami Haruta made the move from her native Sapporo to Tokyo as a teenager, and quickly established herself as a dynamic and inspired player. Master trombonist Michael Dease heard her at a festival when she was 17, and later convinced her to make another move, to pursue her degree with him and Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University. With professional affiliations now including Whitaker's Sextet and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr.'s Big Band, The Vibe documents the respect she's garnered from her mentors and showcases her significant musical voice. With her quartet—including Whitaker, Owens, and Xavier Davis on piano—along with guest appearances by producer Dease and guitarist Chris Minami, Haruta unveils an assertive posture and a compelling, robust tone on this set of five originals, two pieces by co-producer/executive producer Gregg Hill, and four covers, including Curtis Fuller's "Algonquin."
Track Listing:
1 Girlie's World 5:14
2 The Vibe 7:25
3 Algonquin 4:53
4 Toshi 6:01
5 Sister Rosa 6:49
6 Easy Money 4:12
7 Heartstrings 5:33
8 How It Goes 6:42
9 Jamerson's Lullaby 7:12
10 Woodpecker 5:25
11 Unchained Melody 4:36
Composers:
(1) Renee Rosnes, (2,6) Gregg Hill, (3) Curtis Fuller,
(4,7,10) Nanami Haruta, (5) Christian McBride,
(8) Michael Dease, (9) Rodney Whitaker, (11) Alex North
Arrangers:
(1,3,5) Chris Glassman, (2,6) Michael Dease
Performers:
Nanami Haruta - trombone
Michael Dease - trombone, baritone saxophone (1,3)
Xavier Davis - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Ulysses Owens Jr. - drums
Chris Minami - guitar (11)
Production Info:
Produced by Gregg Hill & Michael Dease
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Corey DeRushia
at Troubadour Recording, Lansing, MI
Recorded on April 30th, 2024
Liner notes by Willard Jenkins
Album cover concept & photography, Lynne Brown
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of The Vibe
Paris Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
Indispensable - A Sumptuous Production Showcasing the Talent of a Promising Trombonist A debut album of remarkable opulence, conceived to highlight the artistry of a young Japanese-born trombonist now based in Michigan. The recording assembles a dream ensemble of musicians, beginning with her mentor, the esteemed trombonist Michael Dease (who also ...
All About Jazz (Dan McClenaghan)
The news of a trombonist fronting a small jazz ensemble brings the name J.J. Johnson (1924-2001) to mind. He pioneered that form of jazz expression. Before he stepped onto the scene the big brass horn stayed mainly in the background, eclipsed by trumpets and saxophones.
Many have followed in Johnson's footsteps: Curtis Fuller, Steve Turre, Micha ...
Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Here's a debut album from a trombonist with a lot of warmth and promise. Nanami Haruta hits the ground running on this al bum with Michael Dease/tb-bars, Xavier Davis/p, Rodney Whitaker/b, Ulysses Owens Jr/dr and guest Chris Minami/g on a mix of originals and coves. Haruta shows off her glowing tone on a gloriously Spartan take of "Unchained Melody ...
