Vulcan

by François CoutureIn October 2001, Satoko Fujii released two albums simultaneously: a fourth CD of her trio with Mark Dresser and Jim Black (titled Junction) and this much more surprising CD with a new quartet. Vulcan showcases the pianist and her husband, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, paired with bassist Takeharu Hayakawa, regular collaborator Kazutoki Umezu, and drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, the dynamo behind the avant-rock maelstrom that is the duo the Ruins. The promises this lineup holds beautifully come to fruition on Vulcan, a clash of avant-garde jazz and free rock. Yoshida is as powerful and inventive as ever, but fans of Satoko Fujii may feel worried when after pressing the play button "The Sun in a Moonlight Night" starts: The drummer's trademark vocal improvising is not the most reassuring greeting for the unsuspecting listener. But don't worry too much; after all, the project is led by the pianist, who composed most of the material (Tamura contributes two pieces). The aforementioned opening track is the best example of fusion on the CD. Afterwards, things drift more toward Fujii's usual grounds. "Ninepin" and "Junction" are also featured on this album's twin brother, but the former piece is much more satisfying here with an inspired bass introduction. The title track from the other CD turns into ferocious fusion and may very well be the most eloquent proof of Fujii's talent as an arranger. The rhythm section lets loose, almost breaking into an incarnation of the Ruins for a brief moment. Tamura sounds especially at ease in the more extreme passages. Vulcan is hotter than anything Satoko Fujii recorded before, closer to her recordings with her orchestra than her trio sessions. Strongly recommended for those who think they can handle it.