Eri Yamamoto - Duologue (2008)

In previous projects acoustic pianist Eri Yamamoto has played in a trio, but for Duologue she uses her instrument exclusively in duets with various artists. Her ultra-melodic style is well executed and realized on this very enjoyable CD that has universal appeal, crossing contemporary, progressive, and modern creative genres. There's simplicity and light emphasized, but depth and substance are never far behind in the intelligent constructs of Yamamoto's pretty playing, seasoned with minimalism, developed compositions, and a variety of constructs. That Yamamoto was inspired to play modern jazz upon hearing Tommy Flanagan makes sense when you listen to her melodic good common sense. The tracks "Thank You" and "You Are Welcome" bookend the session with drummer Federico Ughi -- they are, respectively, a four-chord minimalist child's song merging into more complex rhythms, and a happy, brisk, attractive melody that suggests Yamamoto has a playful fun quotient within her. There are two pieces with Daniel Carter on alto or tenor sax: the aptly titled "Conversation" and the pensive, drawn-out, and evocative "Violet Sky." Hamid Drake plays only the frame drum during the probing "Circular Movement," with its rounded but nonviolent motion, and the skittish, nearly hyperactive "Midtown Blues," with typical changes of the down-home breed. A longtime workmate of Yamamoto, bassist William Parker, is his usual reliable self on the bouncy, steady swinger "Subway Song," where the pianist evinces the angularity of Lennie Tristano, while "Muse" is the most spiritual and reverent piece of the disc. This is an often wondrous, highly listenable, and tasteful musical offering that is easily recommended for those who come across it.