New album from the brilliant Yasuaki Shimizu and Saxophonettes, based on the pentatonic (five note) scale, creating a sensuous, vaguely nostalgic sound. Shimizu wrote these tunes about two years ago in Italy, then spent about one year rehearsing and perfecting them with his band. Fifteen tracks including Dolomiti Spring, the Asian folk inspired Yoiitokosassa, and his arrangement of a traditional Ethiopian song, Tew Semagn Hagere that includes a rare vocal performance from Shimizu. Probably his best album since the Bach Cello Suites. Superb.
