Ryo Fukui – A Letter From Slowboat

Fukui Ryo, a famous pianist from Hokkaido who passed away in 2016. The first two works “Cenary” and “Mellow Dream” were highly acclaimed, and now its name became known to jazz listeners around the world.

“A Letter From Slowboat” was released in 2015 for the first time in 16 years. The produced leader album. The recording was done at the home live house with Fukui's two promising young people who acknowledge their ability. The lyrical sensation of “Sonora”, the poetic sensation of “Stella By Starlight”, and the dynamism of “Speak Low”. The touch is stronger, the emotions are deeper, and the scent is richer. “I want to be a little better today than yesterday and tomorrow than today.”

Fukui has been playing the piano for 40 years with this feeling in mind. The compilation of the 40 years is vividly recorded here. It is a pure masterpiece even if the weight of being a remains is removed. Text by Yusuke Ogawa (universounds)