Meg Okura's Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
Meg Okura's Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
© 2006 Megumi Okura (634479244384)
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One of the leading world chamber jazz groups today. Led by jazz violinist Meg Okura of the late Michael Brecker Quindectet.
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Finalist of the 6th Annual Independent Music Award "THE BEST ALBUM"
“classically trained mastery of strings, piano, and drums with quick-witted compositional twists performed with high energy”
- Downbeat
“…reminiscent of John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner's Eastern explorations...”
- New York Sun
Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
Meg Okura (violin, viola & vocals)
YUKARI (flute)
Megumi Yonezawa (piano)
Jennifer Vincent (cello & bass)
Satoshi Takeishi (percussion)
*Dave Eggar (cello) -tracks 2,4 &7
reviews
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Refreshing change of pace!
author: Dan and LindaWe love the combo of classical and jazz flavors.
It was a great sample of the great easy listening music that i loves
author: Ray Newsomeits the type of music that you can really get into and enjoy it to the upmost. its enjoyable with the jazzy sound with the mix with other type of music.
Great Introduction to 21st Century Music
author: DJ's MomBought this for my young cello playing son as an introduction to the many styles of string music. Unfortunately the album is so incredible I haven't given it to him yet! The writing is potent yet lyrical at every turn. Even the funk glistens with ethereal overtones of Eastern tonalities and poly-rhythmic phrasing. These compositions really show what quality playing of standard instruments in non-traditional mediums can do for music as a whole. Why this group isn't getting air-play on every over-wrought Smooth-Jazz station in America is beyond me - dump Candy Dulfer and her uninspired repetitive solos and get a real soloist in there - Meg Okura. If you love (a) jazz (2) conteporary instrumentals (3) strings (4) Asian fusion (5) quality music (6) any/all of the above BUY THIS ALBUM AND CALL YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS.
Absolutely Phenominal
author: AntonioFrom the relaxing piece of Step by Step to the upbeat music of Viola de Samba and the somber melody of Peace in my Heart this CD does not disappoint! It is an incredible compilation of music that will satisfy all music lovers. I highly recommend this CD to anybody. No hesitation, buy this CD now!
Beautiful composition
author: Steve CrabbThis CD does not dissappoint - it is beautiful. Wonderful and thoughtful compositions as well as a mastery of execution. If the American culture turned its attention to fine music such as this, we would be in a better place.
Meg Okura!!! World Fusion Phenomenon...
author: Chris RuelMeg Okura has just released a phenomenal new album with the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble that showcases her stunning compositional skills that integrate stylistic elements from multiple genres of music within individual arrangements. Okura's virtuoso violin playing gracefully fuses lexicons from different styles of music into her own unique lyrical signature sound that incorporates influences such as disciplined structure, savvy refinement, and polished precision from Viennese era classical, vivid impressionism, dramatic expressionism, and moving emotional projection from Romantic era classical, 20th century tonality, harmonization, meters, rhythms, and swing, as well as other elements from contemporary jazz and popular music spanning from Joe Venuti to Gershwin to Coltrane and beyond... The intricate arrangements are mesmerizing; The unorthodox and unprecedented changes are breathtaking; The seamless fluidity within the diverse arrangements is beguiling; Okura's firm grasp on and absorption of genres, styles, and characteristics of epochs from the musical continuum into her exquisite musical form is nothing short of amazing! The vision is radical but the flawless execution and inspired delivery make it seem natural. If you have broad musical experience and are not content to be confined to a single genre or style of music, you are going to fall flat on your back when you hear this... Meg Okura defies convention by breaking through all boundaries with her revolutionary vision that is redefining our understanding of and perspective on modern music. Okura's music is so innovative that it is surreal to experience it. The music is refined, sophisticated, emotional, progressive and hip all at the same time. Check out Meg Okura... This is real world fusion!!! This is the future of instrumental music... Visit Meg Okura's website to listen to her compositions in their entirety. Hearing is believing!
elegantly intertwine elements of classical, jazz and world folk into a new sound
author: Elliot Simon, ALL ABOUT JAZZOkura composed, arranged and produced each tune on this recording, and her bowing in person and on CD is phenomenal. She delicately combines with Vincent and guest cellist Dave Eggar to enthrall, play thrilling pizzicatos or rip off fiery runs that include wild harmonics. Completing the core quartet are Yukari’s soaring flute and Megumi Yonezawa’s piano that draws on a multitude of forms. The brilliant traditional Japanese percussionist Satoshi Takeishi lends his singular rhythms and textures to each cut. “Yuki (snow)” falls from the sky with the sound of pizzicato flakes against a backdrop of hand percussion, until Yukari’s lone flute beautifully signals an end to the wonder. Yukari, Okura (viola) and Yonezawa take the lightly swinging “Step by Step” in different directions, yet pause to pay homage to Trane’s “Giant Steps.” “Dance at the Palace” begins as an out-of-time cavort until strings and flute signal the start of a fiery encounter that reaches a breathtaking climax. The touching “Peace in My Heart” leads into a hot “Viola da Samba,” before the multi-themed “Dream Dancer” strikingly portrays the sound experience of a recently deafened violinist who can now only hear in her dreams. An achingly pure paean to the clarity of “Ancient Bells” closes things out.