Yuko Mabuchi - QUANTUM (2025)

Most of the time, albums that combine jazz and strings sound like the strings are an additional afterthought. Not so with this enthralling release by pianist/composer Yuko Mabuchi. She teams up with a jazzy supporting cast of Lucio Vieira/dr, Hussain Jiffry/eb, Munyngo Jackson/perc, Troy Dexter/g and Edwin Livingston/b, but what makes things all so enticing are the string arrangements by the likes of John Beasley and others that have the violins, violas, cellos and basses form an integral part of the conversation with Ms. Mabuchi.

Her fingers tip toe in ballet fashion on the lovely dance of “Little Mo” with the strings serving as a as de deux. The strings give a flair of panache around Mabuchi’s bold strokes on “Tribute to My Homeland” while Jiffry veers through Vieira’s brushes and the leader’s relaxed warm touch on “Sky With No Tears”. There’s a rich and lyrical conversation between the jazz ensemble and string section on the longing “The Lion and The Lamb” with Mabuchi’s luminous intro caresses the strings before she breaks into an intimate voice on a luscious read of the classic bossa “The Boy From Ipanema”.

Creative, classy and colorful…if she hits the road with the full load, it is going to be a thrill.