End For The Beginning

[Machine Translation] That sound is imbued with resolve and a sense of farewell. Masaki Kikuchi, just before his departure for the United States, plays those famous pieces with single-minded devotion. Masaki Kikuchi was a pianist who achieved international acclaim with his rare individuality and keen sense of the times. In 1973, he moved his base of operations to New York, but this album is a live recording from a studio concert he held for fans just before that move. Although he was experimenting with innovative sounds during this period by incorporating electronic instruments and unconventional ensemble configurations, on this album he performs with a traditional lineup of two wind instruments and a piano trio. The album consists of five original compositions by Kikuchi. His resolve gives rise to passion, and his farewell evokes a distinctly Japanese sentiment. Masterpieces such as Shuu," Ginkai," and Green Dance" surge forth like waves from beyond the taut atmosphere. This masterpiece can rightly be called one of Kikuchi s crowning achievements. text by Yusuke Ogawa ( UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY )

その音には覚悟と惜別が滲む。渡米直前の菊地雅章が、かの名曲たちを一心に紡ぐ。類稀なる個性と鋭い時代感覚を持ってして世界的に活躍したピアニスト、菊地雅章。1973年には活動の拠点をニューヨークに移すが、その直前にファンを招いて行なったスタジオライヴの実況録音が本作である。この時期は電化楽器や変則的な編成を採用し革新的なサウンドに挑んでいたが、本作では2管+ピアノ・トリオというオーソドックスな編成で臨んでいる。菊地のオリジナルで構成された全5曲。覚悟が熱情を生み、惜別が日本的情緒を呼び起こす。「驟雨」、「銀界」、「Green Dance」といった名曲が、張り詰めた空気の向こうから波のように押し寄せる。菊地の集大成のひとつと言って良い傑作である。text by 尾川雄介 (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)