African Rock

Description

« Prayer », « Dawn », « Hunting » and « Love » — music that is both beautiful and electrifying. Akira Ishikawa traverses the vast African landscapes, propelled by jazz and rock as twin engines.
This album is a masterpiece where the three fundamental pillars of Akira Ishikawa's musical vision — jazz, rock, and African music — blend into a balance that is both sublime and striking. The standout tracks follow one another: the solemn and majestic « Prayer », evoking an eternal land; « Dawn », clear with a subtly psychedelic touch; « Love », serene and of great beauty; and « Jumbo », explosive and of remarkable energy.
It is particularly worth highlighting the talent of Hirmasa Suzuki's arrangements: both simple and of great depth, they provide striking clarity to the concept and imagery of the album. Among Ishikawa's serious works (excluding instrumental covers), this album stands alongside Electrum, Bakishinba, and Uganda, and should be regarded as one of his major achievements.
Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)