'This is the very definition of an unexpected joy-the arrival of a 'new' release from Ryo Fukui. The recording took place on June 26, 2004, capturing a live performance celebrating the ninth anniversary of Slowboat, the jazz live house founded and run by Fukui himself. The trio consists of Fukui on piano, Benisuke Sakai on bass, and Yoshihito Eto on drums. At the time, Fukui was 56 years old. His performance is powerful and expansive, yet retains a delicate sharpness. In terms of energy, endurance, and technique, he was at the peak of his artistic maturity. He masterfully weaves the deep and elegant sounds of his admired Phineas Newborn Jr. And Tommy Flanagan while delivering a thrilling interpretation of Wayne Shorter, whom he was deeply influenced by in his youth. This is a breathtaking performance that captures Fukui at his finest. Slowboat, which first opened it's doors in June 1995, marks it's 30th anniversary this year.
