Album Notes

Dancer is the much anticipated debut album by the band YT little d led by Japanese bassist Yuka Tadano. Yuka is a rising young talent who plays with a musical grace and sensitivity that has mad her a first call musician for years now. For her first release as a leader she has assembled a cast of players from all over the world to share their individual voices on this amazing project. With a fresh bold sound, they pushed the boundaries of jazz and composition. The group remains at all time tasteful, mature and attentive to every music detail.

The album breaks through all concepts of genres and blends a variety of styles and musical ideas together through strong melodic content that grabs the listener and brings them along on a musical journey. Tunes such as the title track “Dancer” really put an emphasis on melody and melodic development. The piece is based on a beautiful melody and the band grows around the melody throughout the course of the song until the triumphant climax at the end of Roberto Verastegui’s piano solo. The band is also at no lose for musical virtuosity showcased in the solos of each musician, saxophonist Brian Girley, trumpeter Li Xiaochuan and drummer Stockton Helbing, as displayed in his trilling solo over the tune “Kekkaishi” written by Brian.

The emphasis on melody and accessibility remains an important goal of the group throughout the entire project and these values are present throughout the entire album. The CD “Dancer” is a celebration of life, culture and music. The love and respect for each other and the music comes across on every note on this album. Thrilling, exciting and breath taking are all words that could be used to describe this CD. An amazing example of what is possible in music.