POO-SUN

If you want to know who Poo-san is, listen to this! This is a monumental work that includes the song that changed the era, "Dancing Mist". Masabumi Kikuchi is one of Japan's leading pianists. From turning professional in the late 1950s until passing away in 2015, Kikuchi led the Japanese jazz scene with a unique musicality and overwhelming presence, and was highly acclaimed worldwide. Even limited to works that can be called representative, there are too many to count, but "POO-SUN", named after Kikuchi's own nickname, is without a doubt one of them. A weighty yet vibrant groove is produced by twin keyboards and twin drums. "Dancing Mist" can be said to be the state Kikuchi reached in this period. Every track is a highlight, including the dreamlike and beautiful "Yellow Carcass In The Blue" and the thrilling "Puzzle Ring". Sharp and tough, this masterpiece is where Kikuchi's talent exploded. Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY).

プーさんが何者かを知りたければコレを聴け! 時代を変えた1曲「Dancing Mist」を含む記念碑的作品! 日本を代表するピアニストのひとり菊地雅章。1950年代終わりのプロ入りから他界する2015年まで、独自の音楽性と圧倒的な存在感で日本のジャズシーンを牽引し、世界的にも高く評価された。代表作と呼べるものに限っても枚挙に暇はないが、自身の愛称を冠した『POO-SUN』は間違いなくそのひとつである。ツイン・キーボードとツイン・ドラムによって生み出される重厚でいて躍動感溢れるグルーヴ。「Dancing Mist」はこの時期の菊地が到達した境地と言って良いだろう。さらには幻想的で美しい「Yellow Carcass In The Blue」やスリリングな「Puzzle Ring」など、全曲が聴き所である。鋭利にして強靭。菊地の才が爆発した名作である。text by 尾川雄介 (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)