KAZUTOKI UMEZU — Eclecticism (review)

KAZUTOKI UMEZU — Eclecticism album cover Live album · 1993 · Eclectic Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
snobb
Eclecticism is not only the name of this album, but the name of this great Japanese reeds player Kazutoki Umezu's project as well. And it would be hard to find a better name for them and their music.

Kazutoki Umezu played in NY downtown in 70s for some years, than lived in Japan and returned in NY back again in early 90s.His Eclecticism project is a result of his collaboration with excellent guitarist Marc Ribot and all the team of John Zorn-related NY avant jazz musicians. Recorded live in Knitting Factory, this album radiates the atmosphere of time and the place!

Most interesting thing with this album's music it is a mature and organic mix of Japanese high energy brutal avant with melodic Zorn-like NY sound. For many listeners Japanese improvisational music associates with Ruins/ Yoshida Tatsuya's brutal and noisy sound attacks.This album is very different: being still very high loaded ,there are plenty of melodies ( obviously Zorn's influence on "Italian movie soundtrack" "Western Picaro" or reworked waltz on "Ballet Dancer"),many different rhythms (from Klezmer to swing)and all music is very bright,various and ... positive!

Besides of Umezu, the other album's star is Marc Ribot: this quirky music and freaky party atmosphere is excellent place for his crunchy sound. But in fact all musicians are of highest level (they all come from Marc Ribot/John Zorn different projects).

Recorded material comes from live show ( October 27, 1992) at NY Knitting Factory and dedicated public adds even more fun for playful atmosphere. Excellent release for NY downtown music fans!
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