New York Osaka Junction (Steeplechase)
Joe Magnarelli
Released November 22, 2023
Jazzwise Top 50 Albums of the Year 2023
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lb89-T3Gis_1U0BkSrcG_L3pwtqXMZKjk
Spotify:
About:
Joe Magnarelli in the past made a couple “junction” albums but this could be the ultimate junction connecting the NY trumpeter with dynamic Osaka-born B-3 player Tsuruga. They are joined by the ace baritone player Gary Smulyan, sharing front line that will make it probably the first trumpet-baritone-organ band.
Track Listing:
1. New York Osaka Junction 7:27
2. Lament For Lorraine 5:58
3. What’s New 8:29
4. Cousin Joanne 5:22
5. These Foolish Things 8:39
6. Reverend Tsuruga 6:18
7. Emily 6:42
8. The Wedding 6:09
9. The End Of A Love Affair 8:04
Personnel:
Joe Magnarelli: trumpet, bass trumpet
Gary Smulyan: baritone saxophone
Akiko Tsuruga: organ
Rudy Royston: drums
Recorded February 2022, by Chris Sulit
Mastering: Nils Winther
Photos: Chris Drukker
Produced by Nils Winther
Review:
The Osaka reference comes from Ms Tsuruga’s birthplace but otherwise this is a strictly New York affair. Steeple Chase contend that this has to be the first-ever trumpet-baritone-organ group: maybe so, but no matter if it’s not, for the title track is so powerful, not to say frantic, that any such claims seem irrelevant.
Magnarelli’s opening original is breathless stuff with Smulyan carrying the heavy load while Tsuruga (aka Mrs Magnarelli) comps like crazy and Royston seeks self-immolation. Magnarelli has always been a jazzman-of-all-work, good in small groups like this one and great at starring in big bands and he’s on fire here. ‘Lament for Lorraine’ for a recently departed cousin, moves sinuously, the organ sound honeyed and smooth, as Smulyan emerges without bombast, almost soft-toned, and Magnarelli goes for filigree not fuss, Royston playing time. Relaxed and ingratiating music. Eminently pleasing, too.
The same goes for the immortal ‘What’s New’. Often a trumpeter’s test-piece and handled here by JM with insouciant ease, Smulyan playing the bridge with similar grace as the organist gathers pace. With ‘Reverend Tsuruga’ we’re in Jimmy Smith territory, the churchy organ figures perching on the backbeat and echoed by a neat riff from the horns, Smulyan the first to find the groove, prompting Royston to stir actively. ‘The End of a Love Affair’ gets Smulyan buzzing, Magnarelli marking the moment with a fervent improvisation, Royston mixing rhythms. Ms Tsuruga swings the bass line and keeps the engine oiled and ticking over nicely. Varied and accomplished, this is quite a find.
Peter Vacher (Jazzwise)
