Toshiko Mariano Quartet

Description

Toshiko Mariano Quartet is an album by pianist and composer Toshiko Akiyoshi released in 1961. Women have long been denied the credit they deserve in jazz. It is important to note that as a Japanese woman in jazz, Akiyoshi had to fight to be accepted on many fronts. Jazz has been a patriarchal community from the beginning, and even the critical praise of her playing could not help but acknowledge her gender. Leonard Feather, for example, writing at the time in the Encyclopedia of Jazz, described Akiyoshi's playing as "spirited, powerfully articulated, and exceptionally fluid," but added that there was "nothing delicately feminine" about it. Even today, it is still difficult for people to see jazz in another light. We are happy to be part of the narrative change and to shine a light on this talented artist and this wonderful album. While she would later compose using themes, harmonies, and instruments related to her Japanese heritage, this album captures the pianist at the beginning of her career playing a straightforward hard bop style. It was already her 7th album as a bandleader, and it is a brilliant example of her confidence and mastery of her instrument and as a bandleader. Recorded at Nola Penthouse Studios in New York City in December 1960, the LP includes extraordinary liner notes by Nat Hentoff, Candid A & R man and producer, providing context and insight that enhance the experience of hearing these extraordinary performances.