Bellflower

Jun Iida's album "Bellflower" not only showcases his trumpet playing but offers songs that are meant to move people and to be enjoyed. They represent a collage of sounds that reflect Iida's personal journey, expressed through his original compositions. This music also spotlights his Japanese heritage and his living in various culturally rich cities around America. Three years ago, Jun Iida moved from Seattle (on the West Coast) to New York City. With a band of new friends, he developed this production, writing and performing with his group while at the same time, touring.

His opening composition called "Rivers and Bridges" is his nod to the resilience of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is Straight-ahead jazz with a more contemporary feel. Iida's warm tone and energy reminds me a bit of Roy Hargrove. Masami Kuroki takes an impressive guitar solo that really swings!

Jun Iida was actually born in St. Louis, Missouri to Japanese immigrants. His mother is a Koto player and made sure her son and his siblings were exposed to Japanese culture and music, as well as to jazz. Consequently, Iida grew up with a passion for both music types, but developed a love of jazz after hearing Louis Armstrong's recorded music. He also embraced Japanese folk music.

A song he calls "Hotaru Nights" praises Japan, the birthplace of his parents. This is arranged in a very modern jazz way, with Jongkuk Kim's drums adding a fusion funk feel to the production and Jun Iida's trumpet skipping and dancing over the strong rhythm section like a pied piper. I can't wait to follow him on this journey of excellence and wonder what song will come next.

His composition, "The Final View" is full of punch and power. It's another fusion infused tune. One thing I notice about the compositions and arrangements by Jun Iida, he plays and writes in a very modern jazz contemporary style, but still celebrates the traditional roots of jazz. For example, on "No Scuffs" Chris McCarthy uses his electric Fender Rhodes on a more electronic production. However, the swing and walking bass line of Giulio Xavier Cetto still holds tradition in a headlock. I enjoyed the Cetto bass solo. Iida reaches for spaces and places on his trumpet to lift me higher. His energy bubbles upward from the bell of his horn. The group invites Kim, the drummer, to show off his percussive skills, with a lovely electric piano line playing beneath his solo. It's a nice touch.

Iida's ballads are as beautiful as his swing tunes. They are sensitive and sensual, like "Next Time" and "Chasing Peace" both offer lovely melodies. Iida's tone on his instrument is a breath of fresh air, blowing across time on a cool Autumn evening. His tone and songs inspire a feeling of peace and happiness.