Before the Dawn

by François CoutureBefore the Dawn is Satoko Fujii's first big band release since Double Take, recorded in 1999. In the intervening years her writing has changed considerably, evolving from a New York-influenced form of avant-garde jazz to something more raucous and untamed. Her collaboration with Yoshida Tatsuya of the avant-core duo Ruins (see her Satoko Fujii Quartet releases and their duo CD Toh-Kichi) has informed her approach to big band. Before the Dawn is therefore more exuberant, filled to the rim with exciting, fast-paced action and complex arrangements. But it has not lost the groove. Fujii's writing swings hard -- rock hard. "Pakonya" first evokes the studies in dynamics found on Double Take, but it soon turns into a vamp that recalls Chris McGregor & the Brotherhood of Breath. "Joh-Ha-Cue" moves through many moods within its 20 minutes, getting close to the format of a progressive rock epic. The trumpeters (four of them) take turns blowing listeners heads off with style. "Wakerasuka" borrows Yoshida Tatsuya's trademark rhythmical ululating in an invented language and spreads it across the orchestra for a fun-filled, mind-boggling number that will have fans of Fujii's days as Paul Bley's pupil wonder what the hell went wrong (nothing, just loosen up!). The fact that the album was recorded live (at the 2002 Yamaha Jazz Festival in Hamamatsu, Japan) adds an edgier touch to the performance. Fujii's piano playing may not get much attention (even her solo in "Yattoko Mittoko" is a bit too flashy and clanky for her own good), but get Before the Dawn for her ferocious writing.