Yumi Kurosawa Trio - Metamorphosis (CD)

Release Date: 03/24/23

Kurosawa presents the koto, the traditional national instrument of Japan in a Trio with Western instruments. Produced by Grammy winner A. O'Farrill.

Crossing over is usually something an artist does when they want to embark on a new project or collaborate with another artist. But for Yumi Kurosawa, crossing over is her aesthetic and compositional journey. Her mind searches the world for the best talent and ideas. She's at home living on the border and between worlds - Traditional Japanese, contemporary music and diverse genres.
Originally from Morioka-city, Japan, Kurosawa moved to New York in 2002. 'I wanted to blend my music with other cultures,' she explained. She plays the Koto, which is Japan's national instrument, with more than 1300 years of history. She was born into a Koto-playing family, receiving first prizes at national Koto competitions from a young age. She's made it something of a mission to bring the distinct sound of her beloved instrument to other artistic communities. She has collaborated with artists in the areas of Hip Hop, Ballet, opera, and even short film. As an acclaimed composer, she has been commissioned by august institutions such as Smithsonian's Freer Gallery of Art, for example.

While Metamorphosis may be vintage Yumi, it's a discovery for those who are uninitiated into her musical world. The album begins with Oneday Monday which connotes the busy life in New York. Carlos Maldonado's hand percussion adds to the tumult, evoking the pitter patter of people walking on sidewalks. The piece is a terrific opening salvo of what's to come: inviting, developing sonic landscapes.
Yumi wrote Journey while she was touring as an artist through several countries in South America. 'This piece represents changing scenery, people, and cultures,' said Yumi. The piece is like a series of snapshots. You hear Yumi's virtuosity throughout but set amid various textures.
Dawn is dedicated to the beauty of Japan. The national flower of Japan is the cherry blossom or Sakura. 'I was thinking about the petals of the Sakura on the mountains of Japan while composing,' reflects Yumi. Kabir Sehgal, producer