I think the connection from Jarrett to Kikuchi is a fecund one, especially as they both record (sometimes) with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian (what a bass/drums genius duo there!).
Kikuchi does sometimes moan and whine, in the tradition. Jarrett didn't start the fire there.
But some of Kikuchi's trio records with Peacock and Motian--as Tethered Moon-- are really off-the-chain lovely. Their cd inspired by Edith Piaf CHANSONS DE PIAF (1999, winter & winter cd) is extraordinarily gorgeous.
Kikuchi's distinctive habit as a pianist in trio setting is playing ballads REALLY slowly, with broad knotty chording, horn-like single-finger melodies, and with wildly over-the-top (dramatic, quietly histrionic perhaps) hesitations. The vocalizing syncs with the crescendos and the tension. It's not unappealing, if an acquired taste.
Also check out PLAYS KURT WEILL, by Tethered Moon (Kikuchi, Peacock, Motian). (1995, Polydor cd).
Kikuchi sometimes records with Paul Motian as leader as well.
I'm especially impressed by PAUL MOTIAN ON BROADWAY, v. 5 (with Kikuchi). And PAUL MOTIAN TRIO 2000 + One (with Kikuchi; Winter & Winter).
I saw the trio once or twice at the Village Vanguard and it was exceptional. Very dramatic music. Extremely dark and romantic. Kikuchi's semi-minimalism allows Paul Motian to sweep in with his inimitable way of filling big spaces with nearly arhythmic commentaries of pure loveliness.
Ok, I'm a fan.
Kikuchi does sometimes moan and whine, in the tradition. Jarrett didn't start the fire there.
But some of Kikuchi's trio records with Peacock and Motian--as Tethered Moon-- are really off-the-chain lovely. Their cd inspired by Edith Piaf CHANSONS DE PIAF (1999, winter & winter cd) is extraordinarily gorgeous.
Kikuchi's distinctive habit as a pianist in trio setting is playing ballads REALLY slowly, with broad knotty chording, horn-like single-finger melodies, and with wildly over-the-top (dramatic, quietly histrionic perhaps) hesitations. The vocalizing syncs with the crescendos and the tension. It's not unappealing, if an acquired taste.
Also check out PLAYS KURT WEILL, by Tethered Moon (Kikuchi, Peacock, Motian). (1995, Polydor cd).
Kikuchi sometimes records with Paul Motian as leader as well.
I'm especially impressed by PAUL MOTIAN ON BROADWAY, v. 5 (with Kikuchi). And PAUL MOTIAN TRIO 2000 + One (with Kikuchi; Winter & Winter).
I saw the trio once or twice at the Village Vanguard and it was exceptional. Very dramatic music. Extremely dark and romantic. Kikuchi's semi-minimalism allows Paul Motian to sweep in with his inimitable way of filling big spaces with nearly arhythmic commentaries of pure loveliness.
Ok, I'm a fan.