For those unaware, NatJim (releasing May 17th, 2024, Libra Records), is the first duo recording by trumpeter-composer Natsuki Tamura and drummer Jim Black in 25 years.

A most gloriously sculpted reunion, and one of the highest level, these two magnificent musicians most assuredly bring the best out of one another as they raise their individual heights of improvisational creativity to brand new levels.

In short, and on what might well be called by many as a career defining highlight for both of them, NatJim brings together two people who have already helped define improvised music within the industry, and yet here, well, maybe they’ve even outdone themselves.

1. Morning City (3:56)
2. Afternoon City(5:30)
3. City of Dusk (5:10)
4. City of Night (8:05)
5. Quiet City (5:58)
6. Noisy City (4:08)
7. Calm City (8:15)
8. Bright City (4:18)
9. Bonus (1:48)

The album opens on the stridently rambunctious Morning City and then a veritable jungle-imbibed sound is brought forth within Afternoon City before bringing us the varied tempos that drive City of Dusk and the variegated City of Night.

Along next are the Balkan jazz rhythms that pulsate through Quiet City and the rhythmically synchronized Noisy City and that is itself backed by the atmospherically-charged Calm City, the recording rounding out on the tempo-licious Bright City, closing on the short, but sweet bonus track, entitled, well, Bonus.

Musicians:
Natsuki Tamura, Trumpet, voice
Jim Black, drums

www.natsukitamura.com