Duologue is Eri Yamamoto’s first album as a leader outside of the piano trio format. Each piece was composed by her specifically with each duo partner in mind (Daniel Carter, William Parker, Hamid Drake, Federico Ughi) and each piece is informed and suffused by their respective musical/personal essences. Eri writes incredibly beautiful songs. Contemplative, jubilant, mesmerizing songs. Songs which we’ve found increasingly rewarding with each successive listen.
Great new jazz record alert!! Japanese pianist turned mover and shaker on the downtown NY scene, Eri Yamamoto exhibits great restraint and a beautiful melodic sensibility with her first release as a leader. Duologue finds her in excellent company with a group comprised of William Parker on bass, Hamid Drake on frame drum, Federico Ughi on drums, and Daniel Carter on alto and tenor sax. Each musician alternates between songs, mostly playing on only two of the eight tracks, providing a nice varied listening experience. What's most surprising is the openness of the whole CD; it feels wide and expansive, calming and tranquil. A wonderful listen from start to finish and a welcomed addition to the new-New York jazz scene. [DG] (6/18/08)
LINER NOTES:
Duologue is Eri Yamamoto’s first album as a leader outside of the piano trio format. Each piece was composed by her specifically with each duo partner in mind (Daniel Carter, William Parker, Hamid Drake, Federico Ughi) and each piece is informed and suffused by their respective musical/personal essences. Eri writes incredibly beautiful songs. Contemplative, jubilant, mesmerizing songs. Songs which we’ve found increasingly rewarding with each successive listen. Her improvisations within them, guided by the rhythm as much as the melody, are invitingly exploratory. We’re proud as ever to present this great work from an especially gifted new creative entity, in communion with already established masters of the form of music which brings forth beauty through sound.
Eri Yamamoto: piano/composer
in duo(logue) with
William Parker: bass (tracks 3 & 7)
Federico Ughi: drums (tracks 1 & 8)
Hamid Drake: frame drum (tracks 4 & 6)
Daniel Carter: alto sax (track 2), tenor sax (track 5)