(Un)Focused Definition Ep. 36: The Inevitable One With Dream Theater

I really wanted to get at least one more review out this week, but life is insane with, well…(gestures at pretty much everything). When the world is an absolute garbage fire there are few places of solitude and solace to be found, and I found it…in Dream Theater. Yeah, I got my copy of Parasomnia a week early because I’m that kind of nerd (and use LaserCD for my prog and Japanese Jazz needs) so I’ve been soaking myself in progressive metal and trying to shut everything else out. I also have been knee deep in discovering a new favorite director, so even though it’s not music I urge you to check out the films of Abbas Kiarostami if your unfamiliar and want t0 see a true master play with the form without sacrificing any of the nuance or insight into the human condition. Seriously, he’s been a revelation to me in these troubled times. Enough moping; let’s get into the music.

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masabumi kikuchi - east wind

Masabumi Kikuchi: East Wind (1974)

Moving on in our Japanese jazz excursion from Three Blind Mice to East Wind, established in 1974 that may not have lasted as long, but did its part to promote not only the scene coming out of Japan, but to expose and provide access in country for other musicians like Art Farmer, Sam Jones, and even Oliver Nelson. But it started with Masabumi Kikuchi, a pianist and composer who dabbled over the course of his in many different styles, and worked as both a leader and sideman to other jazz greats like Gil Evans, Paul Motian, and Pee Wee Ellis. His debut for the label, also named East Wind, is a juggernaut – 2 epic 20+ minute tracks that run the gamut of straight ahead hard jazz, a strong percussive sense with excellent solos thanks to a solid quartet of performances backing him up and pushing the compositions forward.

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