When Words Aren't Needed

A gorgeous New Year’s present from the Jazz Avengers

The Jazz Avengers were this reviewer’s pick for best new band of 2023. Something about their mesmerizing combination of gorgeous songwriting and deft musicianship. They exemplify what ensemble playing really means — there isn’t any egotistical elbowing for attention.

Originally consisting of eight musicians hand-picked by their bandleader Senri Kawaguchi, they currently have two members taking time off (one of them is on maternity leave; the other, their guitarist, is being spelled by a guest player). For a more detailed take on the band, see my writeup from December, 2023.

https://medium.com/the-riff/not-another-year-end-ten-best-list-dcbd574f3d93

They all write songs for the group, and none of them are afraid to pour their souls into their compositions. At its best, art appeals to both the heart and the head, and they do so with every piece they bring us.

This piece was composed by their soprano saxophonist, Ami Nakazono, with a feature role for pianist Marie Takeda. The first part is a slightly melancholy meditation on piano, which is reminiscent to me of some of Chick Corea’s playing on “Crystal Silence”.

This is followed by a saxophone ensemble which continues the meditative mood. A second piano section begins to change the feeling to one of inquiry and hope, with excursions into brighter melodies and chords.

In the longest, and final section, the saxophones take turns playing what are almost rounds. Each turn is successively brighter and more confident, but the change in mood happens almost imperceptibly. By the end, they sound ready for anything.

It’s an ingenious piece of writing. I experience it as a roller-coaster of emotions. No need for words. It is also a perfect send-off to the old year, and an invitation to approach the new year with hope.

“Why Not”