If you’re looking for something akin to Tom Jobim at the piano revisiting the songs from the ground breaking Brazilian movie, you’ll need to look somewhere else. Japanese pianist Masabumi Kikuchi gives hints and tangential references to these themes at this Tokyo concert, with a full 8 minute delivery of “Manha De Carnaval” that is able to be followed from beginning to end. Except for the encore “Little Abi” which was originally recorded by Gene Perla with Elvin Jones, the IX “Pieces” are thoughtful improvisations that include deep dexterity, abstract excursions and tangential journeys not unlike a jazz treatise by Poulenc or Satie. A mix of classicism and jazz improvisation make up this tribute to the samba themed masterpiece.
ECM Records