This is the masterful third album recorded in 1979 by the globally revered pianist Fumio Itabashi. At the time, he was leading his own group while also performing actively with ensembles led by Takeo Moriyama and Terumasa Hino. The depth and vitality of that period are distilled into these overwhelming performances. Emotional melodies delivered with a powerful touch—at times like gently falling raindrops, at others like a raging storm—his piano shakes both the listener’s ears and heart. Tracks such as the swinging and soaring "When You Smile," the explosive and driving "Up Into The Sky," and the exotic, grand-scale "Macumba" line up as vivid statements filled with Itabashi’s distinctive character and appeal. The superb support from musicians including Yoshio Otomo, Hiroshi Hatsuyama, and Ryojiro Furusawa is also a major highlight. Why is Itabashi loved around the world? This album contains the answer.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)