Flautist, composer and arranger Haruna Fukazawa steps confidently into the spotlight with Plays at the Wrong Time, an engaging mix of originals and imaginative interpretations distinguished by rhythmic surprises, shifting meters and richly harmonized woodwinds. Fukazawa’s expressive flute and alto flute share a lively rapport with Steve Wilson on soprano saxophone and flute, while David […]
Flautist, composer and arranger Haruna Fukazawa steps confidently into the spotlight with Plays at the Wrong Time, an engaging mix of originals and imaginative interpretations distinguished by rhythmic surprises, shifting meters and richly harmonized woodwinds. Fukazawa’s expressive flute and alto flute share a lively rapport with Steve Wilson on soprano saxophone and flute, while David DeMotta on piano, Bill Moring on bass and Steve Johns on drums provide a responsive foundation that moves easily from cool lyricism to hard-bop swing and bluesy grooves. Her thoughtful arrangements give the compositions of Thelonious Monk, Blue Mitchell, Victor Young and Edward Heyman, and Tommy Wolf and Fran Landesman a fresh personality, while Fukazawa’s own writing reveals a playful melodic voice and a firm grasp of ensemble interplay. The result is a warm, adventurous session that makes a persuasive case for the flute as a commanding modern jazz voice.
