Ryo Fukui Trio at the Slowboat 2004

"I want to hear more Ryo Fukui performances." The dream of listeners worldwide has come true. A spectacular live performance showcasing the full charm of a mature Fukui, by then fully connected with Slowboat.

This is what unexpected joy means: the appearance of a "new work" by Ryo Fukui. Recorded on June 26, 2004, this live recording corresponds to a performance held to commemorate the ninth anniversary of Slowboat, the jazz club Fukui ran and where he established the base of his activities. The trio consisted of Fukui, Kosuke Sakai (double bass), and Yoshito Eto (drums). Fukui was 56 years old at the time. His playing was powerful and large-scale, yet also delicate and precise. In terms of energy, endurance, and technique, he was reaching his peak. He performs pieces by his admired Phineas Newborn Jr. and Tommy Flanagan with strength and elegance, and intensely plays compositions by Wayne Shorter, of whom he was a great admirer in his youth. It is an impressive performance that reflects the fullness of Fukui's artistic moment. Slowboat, which opened in June 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)