Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura Dare to Be Quietly Adventurous on Ki

When pianist-composer Satoko Fujii and trumpeter-composer Natsuki Tamura make music together, the results are always extraordinary. Their deep musical intuition and fearless creativity have shaped one of the most distinctive duos in modern jazz. On September 19, 2025, they will release Ki (Libra Records), their tenth duo album—a work that proves restraint can be just as daring as explosive virtuosity.

Unlike past projects filled with fiery improvisations, Ki thrives on quiet intensity. The album features seven new Tamura compositions, each named after a species of tree, alongside one Fujii original. The entire program unfolds at a meditative, slow tempo—yet the performances remain endlessly fascinating thanks to the duo’s command of tone, silence, and emotional depth.

Tracks like Keyaki open with Fujii’s tolling piano notes fading into stillness before Tamura’s muted trumpet etches delicate melodies in response. On Sugi, sharp piano figures play against translucent trumpet lines, creating tension and suspense without raising the volume. Pieces such as Kusunoki and Fujii’s Dan’s Oceanside Listening Post highlight their ability to balance improvised freedom with hushed lyricism, crafting music that is as fragile as it is powerful.

This approach recalls Tamura’s acclaimed Gato Libre quartet, known for its graceful lyricism and dignified quietude. “The lyricism of Gato Libre was always in my mind,” Tamura explained. “With Ki, I wanted to create an even more extremely dignified world—like standing tall in clear air.” Fujii adds, “It was not easy for me to play less than I usually do, but I came to love the challenge. The emotions it stirred were unlike anything I had experienced before.”

Before recording, the pair tested the new material in a series of California concerts, experiences that reinforced the music’s emotional depth. Each performance underscored the duo’s ability to weave intimacy, silence, and spontaneity into something timeless.

With Ki, Fujii and Tamura prove that adventurous jazz does not always roar—it can whisper, breathe, and still carry the force of discovery. For long-time followers and new listeners alike, this is a remarkable document of two masters pushing the boundaries of expression by embracing quietude.