Combining oriental aesthetics with jazz improvisation, this is a monumental work of big band jazz that combines Japanese and American talent.
This work is performed by a big band led by a husband and wife team consisting of a pianist/arranger and a saxophonist. The grand suite, based on traditional Japanese music and culture, is presented with high performance technique and intricate arrangements.
The appeal of this work lies in its innovative approach, incorporating melodies and rhythms inspired by classical Japanese performing arts into a modern jazz big band arrangement. Wind instruments, imitating the sounds of the shamisen and shakuhachi, herald the opening of the piece with an oriental atmosphere. The saxophonists' flute and tenor saxophone highlight the piece's oriental lyricism while engaging in thrilling improvisations. The grandiose suite form of the title track, "Oiran Tan," is particularly impressive. This work has garnered international acclaim, including being selected for the "Best Arranger Award" by a US jazz magazine. Based on the suite form, the composition, which develops a single theme through various movements and solos, demonstrates its perfection as a work of art that transcends the boundaries of jazz.
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A:
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1)
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Road Time Shuffle
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2)
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Tales Of A Courtesan (Oirantan)
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3)
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Strive For Jive
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B:
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1)
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I Ain't Gonna Ask No More
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2)
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Interlude
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3)
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Village
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Congas - King Errison
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Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet - Bill Perkins
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Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute - Lew Tabackin
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Trombone - Britt Woodman
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Trombone - Phil Teele
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Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet - Gary Foster
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Trombone - Charlie Loper
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Trumpet - Steven Huffsteter
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Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet - Dick Spencer
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Trumpet - Bobby Shew
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Trombone - Bill Reichenbach (2) (A1, A2, B1, B2)
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Piano - Toshiko Akiyoshi
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Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet - Tom Peterson (2)
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Trumpet - Mike Price
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Drums - Peter Donald
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Trumpet - Richard Cooper (2)
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Bass - Don Baldwin
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Trombone - Jim Sawyer (A3, B3)
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Liner Notes - Masahiko Yuh
