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Miki Yamanaka: Chance

By Pierre Giroux
November 6, 2024
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Miki Yamanaka

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Miki Yamanaka's release Chance reflects her depth as a pianist and an interpreter of material from the jazz playbook. Complementing her nuanced lyrical touch with sensitive interplay is her working rhythm section featuring bassist

Tyrone Allen II

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tyrone Allen II and drummer

Jimmy Macbride

drums
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Macbride. The album's mix of jazz standards and tunes from the Great American Songbook, alongside work from some legendary jazz masters, is a well-thought-out listening experience. This is all the more interesting as the session was recorded at the historic Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, engineered by Maureen Sickler.

The opening track is pianist

George Cables

piano
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">George Cables' original, "Dark Side, Light Side." This number is the longest track of the recital, where everyone lays down markers for what may lie ahead. Macbride's drumming is filled with swirling undercurrents, as Allen confirms he is a deeply authoritative bassist. Yamanaka establishes her bona fides as a daring, harmonically literate pianist. On the

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk gem "Trinkle Tinkle," Yamanaka validates her affection for the maestro's ingenuity as she swoops, dives and ruminates over the keyboard, bringing the composition to life.

The Great American Songbook is featured by the Harry Warren tune "I Wish I Knew" as Allen leads the way in developing the melody. Yamanaka then attacks the number, delivering it with an abstract texture and extensive technique.

Fats Waller

piano
1904 - 1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Fats Waller was a pianist whose Harlem stride style formed much of the basis for modern jazz piano, which became exemplified in many of his compositions, such as "Jitterbug Waltz," for example. Acknowledging the contemporary approach to the number, Yamanaka showcases her precise touch and wealth of information at her fingertips. Alto saxophonist

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker was a leading figure in developing the musical form called bebop. His composition "Cheryl" was first recorded by Parker and His All-Stars in 1947. It gave Yamanaka a platform to demonstrate her sharp understanding of bebop with its fast tempo, advanced harmony and propulsive rhythmic underpinning from Allen and Macbride.

The closer and title track is "Chance" by pianist

Kenny Kirkland

piano
1955 - 1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Kirkland. This infrequently heard composition is a perfect foil for Yamanaka's flowing technique and stubborn inquisitiveness. Throughout the recording, Yamanaka has found a balance of classic and contemporary jazz signposts for her expressive piano playing.

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Track Listing

Dark Side, Light Side; Trinkle Tinkle; I Wish I Knew; Herzog; Jitterbug Waltz; Cheryl; Unconditional Love; Body And Soul; Chance.

Personnel

Miki Yamanaka

piano

Tyrone Allen II

bass

Jimmy Macbride

drums

Album information

Title: Chance | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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Miki Yamanaka Concerts

Sep 27 Sat

Jazz Fest Day

Northampton Jazz Festival
Northampton, MA

Oct 8 Wed

Miki Yamanaka

Dizzy's Club
New York, NY

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