TETHERED MOON — Tethered Moon (review)

TETHERED MOON — Tethered Moon album cover Album · 1992 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
snobb
Tethered Moon was Japanese pianist Masabumi Kikuchi (who passed away last summer)probably most successful project in Western market. Tokyo-born, Kikuchi lived in New York for decades but never won a real popularity in States (similarly in Japan,where he played and recorded extensively as well).

Tethered Moon were a all-star trio founded as secret Japanese King/Paddle Wheel label's weapon searching for success on European market. Two trio's other members were both established stars in Europe, Kikuchi played with them both already for some time as well. So - pianist Masabumi Kikuchi, bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian debut album "Tethered Moon", released originally in Germany by Japanese label King/Paddle Wheel.

Before recording of the album's music, Kikuchi for some years played with different fusion projects almost using electric keyboards, so "Tethered Moon" is kind of his return to acoustic piano (mostly for good). Peacock and Motian are extra-class rhythm section which on this album play surprisingly straight if groovy. Album opens with three standards,continues with three Peacock original and finishes with long (over 14 minute)Kikuchi's "Tethered Moon".

Music is mid-tempo,tuneful,warm,even dreamy in moments. Kikuchi plays in characteristic for that period slightly chamber manner with touch of humor what makes all music more alive and playful. Being accessible listening,this album was hardly an event of the year, but aptly hitting the fashion of the day (presenting high-class hybrid of Paul Bley progressive chamber piano post-bop and European contemporary jazz ECM sound)it helped a lot establishing the band name in European (and later - US market). Next year after European release,the album has been released in US by Evidence, upcoming decade bring five more Tethered Moon albums (all - on German labels).

Not Kikuchi's (or any of other two trio's member) most innovative,original or just interesting music, Tethered Moon were good choice for those searching for accessible but intelligent and quality jazz during 90s. Very possible this project opened to Kikuchi doors to German ECM Records some years later (on this label Masabumi released some his most mature music ever)
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