The leading figure of European improvisational jazz once again demonstrates her energetic, radiating nature, joined by her distinguished bandmates.

Aki Takase's music not only sounds strong and powerful, but also conveys strength and power. And this presence, this power, also marks her as a person: she radiates positive energy - and this is needed today perhaps more than ever. For Aki Takase, the word 'forte' contains something of a message: 'Overcoming harsh reality and moving forward with music during this time - we wanted to give expression to a strong will.' The Japanese-born pianist, who has been living in Berlin for more than three decades, is a leading figure in the improvisational jazz scene in Europe and has won the German Record Critics' Prize nine times in her long career, among many other awards. In five years, she has released three albums on BMC Records: Carmen Rhapsody, composed for Daniel Erdmann, Vincent Courtois and Mayumi Nakamura, the duo album Isn't It Romantic with Daniel Erdmann, which won them both the German Jazz Award, and her debut album with Japanic, Thema Prima, hailed by the critics of Jazzwise, Citizenjazz and All About Jazz.
Japanic is Aki Takase's main channel of expression, an international band in every sense of the word. In the years since their debut album, only one member of the quintet has changed. Saxophonist Daniel Erdmann was a student of Takase, then he joined the pianist's ensemble and they also maintain an improvisational dialogue. The Norwegian drummer Dag Magnus Narvesen is a member of the Kitchen Orchestra, and leads his Damana octet. Berlin-based Portuguese bassist Carlos Bica joined Japanic in 2023, he is best known for his collaboration with singer Maria Joao. Vincent von Schlippenbach - aka DJ Illvibe - is one of the most virtuosic masters of the turntable.
Two of Takase's long-time collaborators appear as guests on the album. Alexander von Schlippenbach is a pioneer of European free jazz, with whom she recorded a duet in 2023. The other guest soloist is trombonist Nils Wogram, who was Takase's partner on her album Aki Takase Plays 'Fats' Waller.

Media

Track Listing

• Festa Magdalena
• Step Skip Stop
• An jeder Kreuzung liegt eine Erinnerung begraben
• Ma non Troppo
• I Want to Know Sweet Music
• Japanic Makrokosmos
• Alinamin Drink
• Timeless Story
• Woe the Row of Foes
• I’m Confessin’ (that I Love You)

Additional Details

Label: BMC Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 56:07 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 06/07/24

UPC: 5998309303319