With confident touch, a solid sense of swing, and emotion seeping through its dynamism, Ryo Fukui lands in New York and approaches the essence of bebop alongside the rhythm section of his mentor, Barry Harris.

Ryo Fukui, who passed away in 2016 after releasing only five albums, recorded this fourth work in 1999. Featuring bassist Lyle Atkinson and drummer Leroy Williams—the longtime rhythm section of Barry Harris this New York‑recorded album captures the full appeal of Fukui as a bebop pianist. Centered around standards, the track selection, structure, and of course the performances all radiate intent and vitality. His assured and weighty touch, the firm yet elastic swing, and the emotion and lyricism that permeate his dynamic phrasing everything here conveys Fukui’s breath, will, and presence in vivid form. The re-performance of his signature piece “Mellow Dream” is also a welcome highlight.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

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