Pixel

Keigo Hirakawa is an Ohio-based pianist, composer, and doctor of engineering. This album is science and jazz, I was told by an acquaintance who has connections in the United States.

Instead of traveling from Japan to the US for recording and playing with local players, this album was made possible by his career as a jazz pianist in the US for more than 20 years. Although he lives in Ohio, the new album is centered around players from Detroit. I don't know much about the musical regionality and relationships around there.

Contemporary modern bass player Robert Hurst, multi-instrumentalist Raphael Statin, who came to Japan as a member of the Detroit Jazz Festival Special Band, drummer Alex White, who was born in Kentucky and provided an original song. Guitarist Brandon Scott Coleman and quite a strong team. 7 of the 8 songs are Hirakawa's originals.

Hirakawa's original song composed from the opener "Pixel" when Hirakawa belonged to Coleman's band. An adventurous song that begins with Hurst's bass solo. "Far Above" is a bright tune, but the tension is high and the sax can be shaken off. "Home Somewhere", with a strong and impressive bass line, plays guitar, piano, saxophone, and solos one after another, creating colorful and exciting memories of Tokyo growing up until the age of 11.

"Origami Beetle", a long roaring saxophone solo that runs through geometric motifs at high speed and high tension!! "Unmarked Path" where Statin blows the flute and bass clarinet in the ensemble, the guitar flies, and the drums push behind the piano dancing. "Yaw Pitch Roll", in which the trio moves freely and thrillingly, is said to be a new song.

The original "Dreaming Out Loud" composed by the guitarist for this album, the oasis on the album where the guitar and bass create a relaxing and nostalgic world. The final performance is "Change of Plans", which was inspired by Chick Corea, followed by a roaring saxophone, a running guitar, a graceful piano, tight and beautiful drums, and a powerful, up-tempo performance. Stable base, high level and stylish.

Thrilling, explosive, and exciting performances continue for the strong performers!

Hirakawa himself has studied under a famous pianist, and his performance is full of modern sense, active and spirited. A straight-ahead performance with an elaborate ensemble, but with solos exploding in each song. Is it the secret to success in terms of sound that the guitar is involved in good seasoning? I think that there are various trends and genres in music and jazz, but I always think that music that takes you to another world and adventure in an instant is good music

The liner notes were written by Gene Jackson, a drummer living in Japan. I don't know how difficult it is, but it seems that awareness of regional characteristics is important in the United States. How do you feel about the Detroit groove?