Buena Vista [Regular Edition]

On "Buena Vista", Senri Kawaguchi, age 17, plays nine songs with different musicians and instrumentation, partly with keys and/or electric guitar, some horns, and even some strings on one tune. The line-ups consist of several bassists, including James Genus (Herbie Hancock), Pino Palladino, Shingo Tanaka (T-Square), John Pena, and Brian Bromberg (!) among others. Some songs to mention are 'See You Much Later', the opener in a combined 7/8- and 10/8-time rhythm, but nevertheless still grooving..! - With 'The Phoenix' we got an Phillipe Saisse original with a really beautiful melody. - 'Onyx' is a hard driving Jazz/ROCK-piece, and its hook line will go into your ear, and stay for a while! I could talk about all the other songs aswell, there is not one that would not be worth to listen to. In the end you got it all here: Hard-driving funky tunes, fine melodies, lunatic rhythms, and a beautiful ballad ('All This Love') aswell. When I first got aware of Senri Kawaguchi, I didn't like her style of drumming too much. Too technical, too much like a show-off of her skills - that's what I thought. Well, I must admit, I was totally wrong! Senri is a super-sensitive musician, and above her undeniable, unbelieveable technical skills she has got something to say, and much to give for all the songs she plays. Her playing sparks from creativity and musicality. "Buena Vista" is a great CD, loaded with a bunch of wonderful music. So, if you are in Jazz-Fusion, this CD is highly recommended!