Fumio Itabashi
Nature (LP)
The masterpiece third album recorded in 1979 by the world's beloved pianist Fumio Itahashi. During this period, while leading his own group, he was also active in groups such as Taio Moriyama and Hiromasa Hino. It is a masterpiece performance that condenses its fulfillment. An emotional melody played with a powerful touch. Like sometimes dripping raindrops, sometimes like a storm, the piano shakes the ears and hearts of the listener. There are vivid songs full of Itabashi's personality and charm, such as "When You Smile" running up while swinging, "Up Into The Sky" that explodes and sprints, and "Macumba", which is exotic and large-scale. Bu. The good support of musicians such as Yoshio Otomo, Hiroshi Hatsuyama, and Ryojiro Furusawa is also a place to listen to. It's not just "Watarase", it's not just "Good Bye". Why is Itabashi loved all over the world? This work is full of the answer.
Expected March 2026
世界が敬愛するピアニスト、板橋文夫が1979年に録音した傑作サード・アルバム。自己のグループを率いる一方、森山威男や日野皓正らのグループでも活躍していたこの時期。その充実が凝縮された圧巻の演奏である。力強いタッチで奏でる情感溢れる旋律。ときに滴る雨粒のように、ときに吹き荒れる嵐のように、そのピアノは聴く者の耳と心を揺さ振る。スウィングしつつ駆け上がる「When You Smile」、炸裂し疾走する「Up Into The Sky」、エキゾチックでスケールの大きい「Macumba」など、板橋の個性と魅力に満ちた鮮烈な曲が並ぶ。大友義雄、初山博、古澤良治郎といったミュージシャンの好サポートも聴き所だ。「渡良瀬」だけじゃない、「グッド・バイ」だけじゃない。なぜ板橋が世界で愛されるのか。本作にはその答えが詰まっている。
text by 尾川雄介 (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)
トラックリスト：
Side A
1. When You Smile
2. Up Into The Sky
3. Listen To My Story
Side B
1. Macumba
2. Ash
Pre-order link in bio
Picture with OBI is from original 1977 press and is shared for illustrative purposes. OBi and its potential design TBD.