Jazz
Akihiro Nishimura - Assistant Engineer
Chie Imaizumi - Composer, Producer
Gary Smulyan - Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone)
Greg Gisbert - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Jeff Hamilton - Drums
John Clayton - Bass
Katsuhiko Naito - Engineer, Mastering, Mixing
Mike Abbott - Guitar
Nathalie Breakstone - Photography
Paul Romaine - Drums
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Scott Robinson - Clarinet, Flute, Sax (Sopranino), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Steve Davis - Trombone
Steve Wilson - Flute, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Tamir Hendelman - Piano
Terell Stafford - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Thomas Burns - Liner Notes, Producer
Tom Burns - Session Photographer
Composer/conductor/arranger Chie Imaizumi's name translates to 'Thousand Pictures' and through her music she generates those pictures in your mind. Every piece is part of a life journey and is written with her heart and from her soul. On her latest release, A Time of New Beginnings, she hosts an all star band from both coasts, New York and Los Angeles and in between with John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Jeff Hamilton, Gary Smulyan, Steve Davis, Terell Stafford, Scott Robinson, Steve Wilson, Tamir Hendelman, Mike Abbott, Greg Gisbert and Paul Romaine.
With countless jazz CDs of original material by young, up-and-coming artists, jazz journalists and broadcasters can feel overwhelmed trying to uncover the gems among them. But composer/arranger Chie Imaizumi's ability to attract commissioned works and top players to perform her music gives her an edge, as she has been endorsed by veteran musicians. Randy Brecker is featured on flugelhorn in her turbulent "Information Overload," powered by its infectious vamp and spirited ensembles. The emotional ballad "Fear of the Unknown" showcases John Clayton's majestic, singing arco bass along with his precise pizzicato playing. "Sharing the Freedom" is a moving work commissioned by the U.S. Air Force Academy's Falconaires to be played at the 2008 Monterey Jazz Festival. Beginning with a gorgeous hymn-like introduction, it evolves into a peppy soulful setting with great solos by Clayton and alto saxophonist Steve Wilson. The humorous finale is "Fun and Stupid Song," blending Latin rhythms with unpredictable shifts and strong solos, with Scott Robinson being showcased on both sopranino and tenor sax. The future looks very bright for the talented Chie Imaizumi. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi |
