福居良 Ryo Fukui – Ryo Fukui In Newyork リョウ・フクイ・イン・ニューヨーク(CD)

CD  Album, Reissue, Remastered

With a confident touch, a core of swing, and emotion permeating the dynamism, Ryo Fukui, now in New York, delves into the essence of bop with the rhythm section of his mentor, Barry Harris. Ryo Fukui passed away in 2016, leaving behind only five albums. This is his fourth, recorded in 1999. Recorded in New York with Lyle Atkinson (bass) and Leroy Williams (drums), the rhythm section of his mentor, Barry Harris, this is a masterpiece that fully conveys Fukui's appeal as a bop pianist. The selection and composition, centered on standards, as well as the playing, are full of enthusiasm and power. With a confident, heavy touch, a core of swing and elasticity, and emotion and poetry permeating the dynamism, this is a vivid sound that captures Fukui's breath and determination. A re-performance of his signature song, "Mellow Dream," is also a delight. (C)RS