Well, Fred Ho is nothing if not innovative. The bari sax/bandleader/composer has put out some thrilling releases, and this one, a soundtrack/tone poem with a small band, is just as exciting. The team of Ho, Masaur Koga/as, Art Hirahara/p-key, Wesley Brown/b, Royal Hartigan/dr and Yumi Kurosawa/koto go through a performance that was debuted in2006. The music stands up on its own quite well. Some pieces are advanced and futuristic bop, while others include elements of traditional Oriental themes and sounds. The “cosmo-epic poem” of “Momma’s Song” was inspired by Archie Shepp’s “Blasé’” which will give you some idea of the direction and sounds that emanate from the horns and rhythm. Boisterous, brash and always innovative, this stuff will hold you by the throat, and not let go until you confess!
Innova Music
www.innova.mu