YUKO MABUCHI

QUANTUM

Vista Records

According to Webster’s dictionary, the meaning of “Quantum” (as a noun) means a small amount of energy or a unit of measurement.  As an adjective, it translates to “large or significant.”  Although Yuko Mabuchi is a wisp of a woman, she is a huge, significant, energized ball of talent. “Quantum” is certainly an appropriate title for this pianist, composer and arranger. She is a petite energetic woman with an incredible amount of significant style and individualism at the piano.

Mabuchi opens her album with the Marcos Valle Brazilian composition, “Batucada.” She reinvents this piece by interjecting her soulful, bluesy piano styling, then wooing the listener with her classical brilliance at the 88 keys.  Assisting in that brilliance is John Beasley’s string arrangement. The energy blasting through Yuko’s fingers and into my listening room is palpable. I am always amazed at this pianist’s power and punch on the 88-keys.

An original composition by Mabuchi follows, warmly infused with a string section, this time arranged by Melvin Maestro Lightford.  It’s titled “Ikumi’s Lullaby” and Yuko explains the meaning behind this tune.

“This song is a prayer that my niece (Ikumi) and all her generation will continue the beautiful traditions of music that has been passed down through generations, connecting with the past, expressing the present, and inspiring the future. I hope that they will explore all the rich tapestry of musical traditions that our world has to offer.”

With Mabuchi’s rich classical music roots, she celebrates Mozart’s legacy with a tune Yuko calls “Little Mo.” This dynamic pianist is convinced that if Mozart had been born today, he would certainly be a jazz musician.  During this outstanding arrangement, Mabuchi reworks his Piano Sonata #11, the third movement, into an exciting jazz elevation. Yuko shows us why the world refers to Jazz as America’s classical music.

A composition titled “The Lion and the Lamb” (often used to symbolize the dual nature of Jesus). Yuko interprets the popular metaphor to represent a future state of peace and harmony on earth. When I listen to Yuko Mabuchi play piano, it sounds like the tones are speaking to me. Her musical phrases sound like spoken words tumbling out into the universe.

Somehow, she manages to take a very familiar song like “Boy From Ipanema” and reinvent it.

This album offers us a string of original compositions by Yuko Mabuchi, as lovely as a pearl necklace. She continues to unlock her magnificent talents as a pianist, arranger and composer.  Her artistry is like a rich jewelry box full of extraordinarily expensive precious stones. Yuko Mabuchi is a rare diamond, glistening in the midst.

YUKO MABUCHI BAND:  Yuko Mabuchi, piano/composer/arranger; Peter Buck & Lucio Vietra, drums; Hussain Jiffry, bass; Del Atkins, electric bass; Edwin Livingston, acoustic bass; Munyungo Jackson, percussion; Megan Shung, violin/contractor; VIOLINS: Rhea Fowler, Dayren Santamaria, Ellie Dunbar & Kyle Gilner, Shris Woods; VIOLA: Thomas lea, Jeremy Jones, Drew Forde, Emily Williams & Troy Everett; Zack Reaves, cello; John Beasley, Zack Reaves, Bill Meyers & Melvin Maestro, string arrangements.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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