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Keisuke Kishi: Elsewhere

By Dan McClenaghan
May 16, 2021
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The album is titled Elsewhere. It is the work of Japanese drummer

Keisuke Kishi

drums
b.1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Keisuke Kishi, who is based in New York. But where is elsewhere? Is it the western shore of Oahu, an area of stark landscapes and poverty, in relative isolation from the bustling tourism of Waikiki? Or is it Bagamoyo, Tanzania? The album's cover art features a photo from Bagamoyo. Kishi has spent time in both of these locales. Or is elsewhere East Village, New York City, Kishi's home ground since 2018?

The music on Elsewhere sounds as if it was born in exotic locales. It is a mostly piano trio album—featuring four different pianists. And throw in some Fender Rhodes, electric keyboards, a guitar (on one tune), an Ilimba (one tune) and a saxophone (one tune).

Kishi's distinctive drumming is a prominent feature. He is a stylist, in his own way, in the manner of

Jon Christensen

drums
1943 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Christensen and

Paul Motian

drums
1931 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Motian, using his artistry to explore an array of cultures, lands, religions and identities, expressing his thoughts on six of his own compositions along with Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow" and Keali'i Reichel's "E O Mai."

Beginning with the pensive "Shade of Tree," with Eishin Nose on piano, then moving into "Over The Rainbow," featuring

Jun Sugiura

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jun Sugiura on piano, with the trio painting a soundscape of mystery and positivity. "Laulea" mixes a Kishi's handpan, drums and percussion into an alien orchestra, followed by the lovely piano trio bounce of "Torii," featuring pianist

Ben Paterson

piano
b.1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Paterson, leading into another handpan and percussion rumination on "Kahakai Mehana."

Elsewhere—produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the album's bassist

Nori Naraoka

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Nori Naraoka—features a ringing clarity of sound and a cohesive expression of Kishi's musical vision. The title tune—which gives off a vibe not unlike The Beatles' "Revolution 9," from the Fab Four's 1968 Apple Records masterpiece, The Beatles—wraps up the show in a wonderfully enigmatic way.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Shade of Tree; Over the Rainbow; Laulea; Torii; Kahakai Mehana; E O Mai; Lockdown; Elsewhere.

Personnel

Keisuke Kishi

drums

Nori Naraoka

bass, acoustic

Ben Paterson

piano

Calvin Johnson

saxophone, alto

Rod Williams

piano

Jun Sugiura

piano

Masaharu Shimizu

guitar

Eishin Nose

piano

Msafiri Zawose

percussion

Album information

Title: Elsewhere | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Self Produced

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