Ryo Fukui - Mellow Dream (2018 Re-Issue)
Reissue of criminally overlooked Japanese jazz gem Mellow Dream (1977) by Hokkaido pianist wunderkind Ryo Fukui, released in conjunction with its legendary predecessor Scenery, sourced from the original masters.
Firmly standing on the foundation he laid down with Scenery, Ryo Fukui continues his exploration of modal, bop, and cool jazz sounds with meticulous grace and absolute mastery.
As its title suggests, Mellow Dream ventures into slightly mellower, more soulful, and sometimes more contemplative territories (the Bill Evans-reminiscent "Mellow Dream" and "My Foolish Heart") while still packing the commanding punch Fukui's work is loved for, as heard on the amazingly bombastic "Baron Potato Blues" or the gigantic McCoy Tyner / John Coltrane-influenced "Horizon" which sees each member of the trio (Satoshi Denpo is on bass and Yoshinori Fukui is on drums) demonstrating their virtuosity for 9 exhilarating minutes.
With his sophomore album, Ryo Fukui swings from melancholy to vibrant joy with ease, reminding us that jazz is best served with a pinch of blues, and displays an immensely rare combination of pure talent, unique personal approach, and focused discipline.
The man undeniably deserves a spot in the pantheon of all-time great jazz pianists.
TRACKLISTING
A1. Mellow Dream
A2. My Foolish Heart
A3. Baron Potato Blues
B1. What's New
B2. Horizon
B3. My Funny Valentine
PRODUCT DETAILS
Artist: Ryo Fukui
Label: We Release Jazz
Condition: New
Genre: Jazz & Blues
Format: Vinyl LP
Cat Number: WRJ002REG
Released: 9th November 2018