Happy-Go-Lucky [SHM-CD] [Regular Edition]

Celebrating 25 years of her music career. A substantial new release that distills the sound of jazz pianist Chihiro Yamanaka. Based in New York and active around the world, Chihiro Yamanaka is one of Japan's leading jazz pianists. Following last year's 20th anniversary of her major-label debut, this year marks another major milestone, the 25th anniversary of her music career, making this her second consecutive anniversary year. A new album commemorating her remarkable journey is being released. From songs she has continued to perform live since the beginning of her career to regular favorites featured in her current stage performances, this album brings together repertoire that Yamanaka feels she wants to share with everyone now. It can be regarded as a culmination of her 25 years at the forefront of live performance. Music that she has refined on stage over many years and developed together with her fans is vividly brought to life through her current sensibility and performance. The album includes jazz classics such as Keith Jarrett's "Memories of Tomorrow," Carla Bley's "Lawns," Bill Evans / Miles Davis's "Blue in Green," George Russell's "Living Time: Event V," Eliane Elias's "Impulsive," and George Gershwin's "Summertime." The diverse selection also includes Amilton Godoy's "Choro," Julian "J3PO" Pollack's "Silver Lining," Yamanaka's original composition "Beverly," and even "Jingle Bells." Yamanaka connects numbers from different eras and styles with her distinctive bold yet meticulous arrangements, creating an album that transcends genres and generations. The members are Yoshi Waki on bass and John Davis on drums, both of whom have supported Yamanaka's music for many years. Centered on Yamanaka's versatile piano and keyboards, the trio delivers powerful grooves and tight interplay. Looking back on her 25-year journey while continuing to evolve, this anniversary release vividly captures Chihiro Yamanaka as she is today and is packed with highlights.

祝・音楽キャリア25周年。ジャズ・ピアニスト山中千尋のサウンドを凝縮した、充実の最新作。ニューヨークを拠点に世界で活躍する、日本を代表するジャズ・ピアニスト、山中千尋。昨年のメジャー・デビュー20周年に続き、今年は音楽キャリア25周年という大きな節目を迎えた、2年連続のアニバーサリー・イヤー。その輝かしい歩みを記念するニュー・アルバムがリリースされる。本作は、デビュー当時からライヴで演奏し続けてきた楽曲から、現在のステージを彩る定番曲まで、25年にわたり第一線でライヴ活動を続けてきた山中が「今こそ皆様にお届けしたい」と願うレパートリーを集めた、ひとつの集大成ともいえる作品。長年ステージで磨き上げ、ファンとともに育ててきた音楽を、現在の感性と演奏で鮮やかに描き出している。キース・ジャレットの「Memories of Tomorrow」をはじめ、カーラ・ブレイの「Lawns」、ビル・エヴァンス/マイルス・デイヴィスの「Blue in Green」、ジョージ・ラッセルの「Living Time Event V」、エリアーヌ・イリアスの「Impulsive」、ジョージ・ガーシュウィンの「Summertime」など、ジャズ史を彩る名曲を収録。さらに、ブラジル音楽の躍動感あふれるアミルトン・ゴドイの「Choro」、ジュリアン"J3PO"ポラックの「Silver Lining」、山中のオリジナル曲「Beverly」、そして「Jingle Bells」まで、多彩な楽曲が並ぶ。時代もスタイルも異なるナンバーを山中ならではの大胆かつ緻密なアレンジで結び、ジャンルや世代を越えた一枚に仕上げている。メンバーは、長年にわたり山中の音楽を支えてきたヨシ・ワキ (b)とジョン・デイヴィス (ds)。山中の変幻自在なピアノとキーボードを軸に、強靭なグルーヴと緊密なインタープレイを繰り広げる。25年間の軌跡を振り返りながら、なお進化を続ける山中千尋の"現在"を鮮烈に刻んだ、聴きどころ満載のアニバーサリー作品。