Julian Julien, Terre II

I have not been previously exposed to the music of Julian Julien before but I am very glad to make its acquaintance now. The latest, Terre II (self-released) is a set of compositions in a sort of ambient pulsating mode for a mid-sized ensemble that includes vocals, reeds, guitar, cello, percussion, keys, electronic ambiance, etc.

There is improvisation involved (well done) and an overall cohesion compositionally that gives the ensemble a spacey consistency born of Julian's clear objectives. The music is harmonically based, colored sound that has a homogenized togetherness that is on the artist side of musics that might otherwise be classified as smooth or new agey. This is music too contentful to be relegated to that realm.

Yet it has a kind of universal appeal that might attract listeners not often inclined toward the new. The writing for horns and cello stands out as singular.

I find myself liking this music as I listen more. It is distinct; it holds its own. It is not what one might expect but a good listen puts you on its wave-length. Lend your ears to this one for a new wrinkle!

Asuka Kakitani Jazz Orchestra, Bloom

If spring comes, or I should rather say when spring really comes, in the weather on in the mind, there is music for it. Or any other time, for that matter. I allude to Asuka Kakitani and her Jazz Orchestra, and their first, somewhat startlingly fresh inaugural album Bloom (19/8 Records 1025).

Asuka makes her own sort of jazz composition, mainstream but not Basie/Jones-Lewis derived, lyrical, tonally full and original. The band is well-suited for her music, well rehearsed and sounding beautiful. There are folks like John O'Gallagher on sax, Jacob Garchik on trombone, Sara Serpa on vocals, often a wordless part of the ensemble, and other excellent players.

The music is sometimes inclined toward full-block tutti writing but there are sectional moments as well. There are times when she shows a little of her Japanese roots. But at all times Asuka Kakitani shows a sure hand writing for a large band, a melodic knack, a dramatic sense.

Bloom is what Ms. Kakitani is doing. She is showing herself as a beautiful musical flower. And she is giving us some very lovely new big band compositions. This is a happy thing!