Chihiro Yamanaka Somethin’ Blue Quintet - Live At Blue Note Tokyo (2019) [DSD64 + Hi-Res]

The Chihiro Yamanaka album, Somethin' Blue, is her Blue Note Records debut. Ms. Yamanaka, who most often performs and records in trio format, assembled a sextet for these sessions and created a new compositional universe that places Somethin’ Blue in the lineage of classic Blue Note recordings.

Chihiro Yamanaka’s music pivots between her strikingly original compositions and her unique arrangements in which she accomplishes the impressive feat of introducing the element of surprise into some of the most famous songs in the jazz repertoire, contemporary popular music, and even the works of classical composers.

Ms. Yamanaka has been a Universal Music/Verve recording artist since 2005, when she was awarded Swing Journal’s “Best New Artist” title. On the occasion of Universal's recent acquisition of Blue Note Records—in time for Blue Note’s 75th anniversary—Ms. Yamanaka made the move to Blue Note. She has been a big part of the Blue Note 75th anniversary celebrations, including a concert at the Blue Note Tokyo in which she performed with all-stars including bassist Ron Carter.

Chihiro Yamanaka, piano
Jaleel Shaw, saxophone
Benny Benack III, trumpet
Yoshi Waki, double bass
Kendrick Scott, drums