Album Review: Ryo Fukui - [メロー ドリーム] Mellow Dream (1977)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Mellow Dream emerges as one of Ryo Fukui's most masterful strokes of modal alchemy genius and ice cold courage to leave it all on the stage.

One of the finest Japanese trios to ever form, each player's power levels are formidable: Ryo on the keys, his brother Yoshinoru Fukui on drums, and the bass helmed by Satoshi Denpoh.

This 1977 album is a 6-course meal that wraps your spirit in cool jazz velvet. Be patient, let the album catch fire. Linger in the homage to Chet Baker for a bit, withdraw into the hypnosis of Ryo's dexterity.

Opened my eyes to just how much of a powerhouse piano, bass, and drums can sound when wielded by virtuosos. Short and sweet and exemplary, lightning in a bottle good.

Yoshinoru steals the finale, his expressive and quixotic drumming unfolding in crisp fluent mania and precision with the sticks. He's damn good.

A Sapporo jazz diamond, superb!

Prestige tracks: Mellow Dream, My Foolish Heart, Baron Potato Blues, Horizon, My Funny Valentine