Masahiko Togashi & J.J.Spirits’ "Plays Be Bop Vol.2" is a compelling exploration of the bebop tradition through a distinctly Japanese lens. Togashi, a visionary drummer known for his contributions to avant-garde jazz, leads this trio with a rare blend of precision and spirited improvisation. Rather than offering a rote tribute, the group breathes new life into bebop standards, twisting familiar themes into unexpected forms. The interplay between Togashi’s nuanced percussion and his bandmates’ agile phrasing is a study in both discipline and freedom, resulting in arrangements that are at once respectful and irreverent. Listeners will appreciate the album’s dynamic range, from high-velocity flights to introspective passages that reveal the trio’s deep musical empathy. For collectors and jazz aficionados, this volume stands as a testament to the global reach of jazz and its capacity for reinvention. It’s an essential listen for those eager to experience the genre’s evolution beyond its American roots, showcasing how bebop’s fiery spirit can be reimagined through the artistry of one of Japan’s most influential jazz ensembles.
Track List:
1 - Monk's Hat Blues / I'll Remember April -
2 - It Might As Well Be Spring -
3 - On A Slow Boat To China -
4 - If I Should Lose You -
5 - Everything Happens To Me -
6 - Joy Spring -
7 - Bemsha Swing -