Fumio Karashima - Part 1

For the next few posts I'd like to take a look at some albums from pianist Fumio Karashima. We encountered him on Mabumi Yamaguchi's After The Rain album. The collection I have (10 albums total) is mostly made up of acoustic trio albums - and I find Fumio to have a very tasteful and accessible playing style. 

First up is 1976's Piranha. A mostly straightforward album although Fumio's playing sometimes has a classical vibe to it, in my opinion. Especially on the opening tune "Little Island." Joining the pianist we have bassist Isao Suzuki (which is what lead me here originally) and drummer Jimmy Hopps. Favorites here are previously mentioned "Little Island" as well as J.J. Johnson tune "Lament." The closing Karashima tune "Blue-Th-Ree" is also quite nice. 

Next up for us is another trio album. 1977's Landscape features bassist George Mraz and excellent drummer Motohiko Hino who we've seen quite a few times now. All originals from Karashima and this one starts off with great energy with "Revlis." Things slow down with "Tears" and Fumio plays beautifully. Another pretty straightforward release. The closing tune "In My Usual Way" is another really nice one.

1977 also saw the release of another trio album, released on Three Blind Mice and again featuring Isao Suzuki on bass with another excellent drummer in George Otsuka. Gathering is another pretty straightforward release and starts of with a nice title track followed by my favorite tune "Gringo." Next we have "Tones for Joan's Bones" a tune from mostly unheard of pianist Chick Corea, followed by a nice solo piano piece from Karashima titled "Sophia." This one closes with Gary MacFarland tune "Once We Loved" and we're 3 for 3 on albums ending very well. 

Enjoy! I'll have the rest next week. I see Herbie Hancock tonight!!!!