Masahiko Togashi C.P.U. (1975)
- Details
- Written by T. Rake
Masahiko Togashi remains one of the most melodic percussionists, and his 1975 recording with C.P.U. (Cosmic Pulsation Unity, Denon Jazz, YX-7503-ND) is an incredible genre-melding affair. The instrumentation is a classic jazz trio (with the occasional addition of cello), and the music flows more from a classical tradition harmonically.
What we don't hear is the bravado of a large tenor, or the relentless pace of a group breathlessly expressing a single idea. The absence and use of negative space (silence) is central to its appeal. Masahiko engages his instrument with a focused intentionality which explores the possibility of a single drum head with rhythmic ideations.
The balance of the trio presents a vision which is mature, while being ageless. Forms, shapes and clusters which take shape, develop and then receded back into the ether. The energy of a free jazz unit with the harmonic approach of Cage or Messiaen.
Recorded on December 10, 1975 at Nippon Columbia 1st Studio, Tokyo the sound quality is otherworldly. With a huge sound stage and pristine clarity, it truly represents the height of analog glory. The warmth and closeness of the piano is offset by the crystalline detail of the bass. The percussion receives equal prominence in the mix which adds to the immediacy of the sound.
The players:
- Masahiko Satoh - Piano, Percussion.
- Keiki Midorikawa - Cello, Bass.
- Masahiko Togashi - Drums, Percussion.
The tracks:
- Siki Ran (21.15)
- A-Un (20.01)
Pairs well with a Lagunitas IPA.