Meg Okura - Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto (2013)

Meg Okura and the Pan-Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble’s album offers a profound reimagining of the legacy of Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The project harmoniously intertwines Western jazz traditions with Eastern motifs, creating a unique chamber sound. Central to the work are interpretations of famous film scores, such as themes from "The Last Emperor" and "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence." The use of authentic instruments, specifically the erhu, combined with virtuosic violin performance and meticulous arrangements, provides a fresh perspective on Sakamoto’s melodic genius, highlighting the emotional depth and multicultural nature of his work.

Meg Okura – Violin, Erhu
Anne Drummond – Flute, Alto Flute
Helen Sung – Piano
Dezron Douglas – Bass
E. J. Strickland - Drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Grasshoppers [6:02]
1-2 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Riot in Lagos [4:58]
1-3 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Tango [5:02]
1-4 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Grief [10:19]
1-5 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence [4:11]
1-6 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - The End of Asia [5:47]
1-7 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - You've Got to Help Yourself [5:27]
1-8 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - The Last Emperor Theme [7:02]
1-9 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Thousand Knives [5:02]
1-10 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Helen's Intro [1:48]
1-11 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Water's Edge [5:07]
1-12 Meg Okura;The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble - Perspective [5:54]