Label: Self released, 2023
Personnel - Rintaro Mikami: drums, voice, poetry; David Truilo: tenor sax; Henry Plotnick: piano; Omri Bar Giora: guitar; Bar Filipowicz: bass + Guests - Lily Resnikoff: voice (#3); Ariel Bart: harmonica (#9).
Tokyo-born, New York-based drummer Rintaro Mikami makes a positive impact with his debut album as a leader, First Fish. The record features nine original compositions inspired by Mikami’s life on the small Southern Japanese island of Kuchinoerabu and the travels between that place, Tokyo, and New York. Mikami's core quintet shares an intimate connection that reflects on the tunes, and his sensitive drumming style showcases a penchant for playing melodically on the kit that is reminiscent of Brian Blade and Manu Katché.
The technical quality and emotional depth of his drumming seduce on the silky “Arrival”, a liberating and poetic piece with an inviting chord progression and delicate melody. The comforting brushwork is joined by spoken word here, contrasting with the expansiveness and irreverence of “Derailing”, which deals with an exhilarating hard-swinging locomotion while displaying alternate improvisations between guitarist Omri Bar Giora, pianist Henry Plotnick, and saxophonist David Truilo. They end up juxtaposing lines, leaning on the avant-garde side before returning to the theme with certitude. If this piece represents the trip from Tokyo to the island, then the mercurial “Secession”, marked by tempo shifts, represents the change from Tokyo to New York, incorporating guitar sounds with a taste of fusion, and purposeful saxophone phrases.
“The Whistle” conjures a folk dance in 5/4 time, propelled by bassist Bar Filipowicz. There’s more exchanges between guitar and piano, and a final vamp where pronounced snare activity is progressively expanded to other parts of the drum set. The title track, “First Fish”, begins as a ballad with Lily Resnikoff’s voice adding a positive fragility. However, its waltzing steps are placed firmly in the middle part as an invitation to the improvisers. Another notable track featuring a guest is “Deer’s Dream”, where Ariel Bart’s harmonica contribute poignancy and hope.
“Interlaken” seamlessly integrates tradition and modernity, shifting unexpectedly from a three-time pulse to a wild 4/4 incursion. Meanwhile, “The Sky He Saw” is a contemplative ballad filled with passion. Mikami’s debut album showcases his emerging voice in jazz, offering ravishing music that captivates and leaves listeners eager to see where he goes next.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Arrival ► 04 - Derailing ► 08 - Secession