Toshiko Akiyoshi - The Many Sides Of Toshiko 1957

As an arranger, Toshiko Akiyoshi (influenced originally by Gil Evans and Thad Jones) has been particularly notable for incorporating elements of traditional Japanese music into her otherwise bop-ish charts. A strong (and underrated) pianist in the Bud Powell tradition, Akiyoshi was born in China but moved to Japan in 1946. She played locally (Sadao Watanabe was among her sidemen) and, after being noticed and encouraged by Oscar Peterson, studied at Berklee during 1956-1959. Married for a time to altoist Charlie Mariano, she co-led the Toshiko Mariano Quartet in the early '60s. After working with Charles Mingus in 1962 (including participating in his ill-fated Town Hall Concert), Toshikoreturned to Japan for three years. Back in New York by 1965, she did a radio series and formed a quartet with her second husband, Lew Tabackin, in 1970. After moving to Los Angeles in 1972,Toshiko Akiyoshi put together her very impressive big band which featured such fine soloists asBobby Shew, Gary Foster, and Tabackin. They recorded several notable albums before Akiyoshidecided, in 1981, to move to New York. Since their relocation, Akiyoshi and Tabackin have both been quite active although her re-formed big band has actually received less publicity than it did in L.A. She ranks as one of the top jazz arrangers of the past several decades. AMG.

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Toshiko Akiyoshi & Lew Tabackin Big Band - Sumi-E 1979

For a period of time between the mid-'70s and early '80s, Toshiko Akiyoshi was taking her big band (co-founded with husband Lew Tabackin) into the studio with some regularity, consistently producing outstanding recordings. This long-unavailable LP, released by the Japanese label Insights, consists of four extended original works, beginning with the exotic, multi-faceted "Sumi-e." "Hangin' Loose" is a far more lighthearted piece, which she introduces with a jaunty piano solo backed by the rhythm section. The cryptically titled "A-10-205932" is a great showcase for Tabackin's underrated prowess as a flutist. The orchestra also includes trumpeter Bobby Shew, trombonist Bill Reichenbach, and alto saxophonist Gary Foster, though all of the musicians excel in their playing of Akiyoshi's demanding charts. This somewhat hard-to-find album is well worth acquiring. AMG.

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Toshiko Akiyoshi & Lew Tabackin Big Band - Insights 1976

Toshiko Akiyoshi co-led (with her husband Lew Tabackin) one of the most exciting post-bop bands for several decades until finally disbanding it early in the 21st century. These 1976 studio sessions make up one of her best overall albums, which includes performances of four originals. "Studio J" actually dates from 1957, while the pianist was studying at Berklee, and was originally recorded in a trio setting. Akiyoshi stretches out for several choruses, and Bill Reichenbach contributes a pair of solid trombone solos. "Transience" is a richly textured ballad that showcases baritone saxophonist Bill Perkins, trombonist Britt Woodman (a Duke Ellington alum), and Gary Foster on soprano sax. "Sumie" features Tabackin's mesmerizing flute (an instrument for which he should receive wider acclaim); he also uses a piccolo later in the piece. "Minamata" is an elaborate three-part suite that features a 13-year-old vocalist (Michiru Mariano), a fine flügelhorn solo by Bobby Shew, and narration by several Japanese artists, resulting in a stunning tone poem. Sadly, this rewarding RCA LP has not been reissued in the United States, though it was put out by BMG in Europe in 2002. AMG.

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