I am so happy to hear this wonderful work by Mari Watanabe, as a fellow New Orleans pianist, I used to see her all around town playing with the musicians that made New Orleans music what it is! Absorbing the rhythms and sounds around her into her playing, she has definitely become one of New Orleans' own!
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Melodic, funky, nice arrangements but not so structured that it hinders improvisation from a lively, spirited group of instruments and voices. "Here Comes Tuba Fats" (track #2) really captures the spirit of New Orleans and, from what I've observed, the person for whom the tune was named. Loved the piano on track 4 (Georgia on My Mind), it reflects a deep blues sensibility; soulful yet restrained in parts for good contrast and a sense of movement. Track 6 (Sweet Georgia Brown) is sassy, spirited, and - as with all of the tracks - the piano playing is graceful and inventive. The selection of tunes includes some originals and some standards. The well known tunes (such as The Entertainer) sound fresh & new through the lens of Mari Watanabe & friends (rather than over-done, or stale). I especially enjoyed Yolanda Windsay's vocals on track 11 ("Mixed Children"); the quality of her voice and her sense of rhythm suit this modern story well. If you enjoy the sound of traditional New Orleans jazz, with brass instruments, as well as more contemporary jazz with a blues sensibility, you should enjoy this CD immensely (as did I!).
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I stepped out of my bathroom in Tokyo one day and, caught up instantly by familiar rhythms coming from the next room, stepped right into old Treme, into one of those impromptu parades that transforms an already beautiful day into something even more magically alive: it was the tuba at first, the sounds of home, and all the sophistication to follow...
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